Nearly 200 candidates for elected office in Washington have shared their views on an assortment of access and open government questions posted by the Washington Coalition for Open Government, and as the election nears, their survey responses are available for voters to review at the WCOG website.
WCOG distributed its survey to more than 3,000 candidates around the state asking for comments on ten key government reform issues. Candidates were asked to give “yes” or “no” answers as well as offer further comment on questions about proposed new exemptions to public records disclosures, digital access to public records, archive policies, open government training for officials and staff, oversight of access compliance and other issues.
The surveys of all candidates who responded are posted on the WCOG website at http://www.washingtoncog.org/questionnaire.php. Additional surveys are posted as they are received.
“There is constant pressure, particularly from local government officials, for the legislature to make it more difficult and expensive for the public to access public records and meetings,” said Toby Nixon, WCOG president. “I hope Washington voters will check out where candidates who are asking for their vote stand on these important issues. They should make special note of which candidates failed to respond to our survey, and ask those candidates pointed questions about where they really stand on the people’s right to know what their government is doing.”
WCOG has conducted its candidate survey for six years in order to help voters choose candidates who are committed to open, responsive and accountable government.
The Washington Coalition for Open Government was founded in 2002 by a group of individuals representing organizations with a broad spectrum of opinions and backgrounds, all dedicated to the principles of strengthening the state’s open government laws and protecting the public’s access to government at all levels.
Join WCOG and help in the non-partisan fight for transparent government and open public participation. For more information, contact Washington Coalition for Open Government, 6351 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107-2664 or on the web at www.washingtoncog.org or call (206) 782-0393.
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