Answers to these and other perplexing questions will be found when the Washington Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) presents a special program focusing on Washington’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, October 10 at the Multipurpose Room of the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way in Mount Vernon.
Showing posts with label Community Education Public Service Announcement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Education Public Service Announcement. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Public Records and Open Meetings Law Forum to be held October 10th in Mount Vernon
How can a citizen request court records? Can the police withhold videos taken by a patrol car’s dashcam? What is a “serial meeting’?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Action Alert: 42nd Legislative District Representatives to hold Telephone Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 PM
State lawmakers will take questions, provide updates on Legislative Session Tonight
Friday, March 11, 2011
Public Comment Period on Port and City's proposal to dispose Dioxin/Mercury Contaminated Sediments in former ASB Lagoon
New data gathered in 2008 to design the cleanup action indicates that buried sediment in the outer waterway contains dioxin and furans in concentrations that make it unlikely to qualify for disposal in an approved, open-water location as originally planned. In response to this information, the Port of Bellingham and its consultants developed an alternative approach for managing the material slated for open-water disposal, which can also be applied to some other areas of the site.
Information on the proposed changes to Whatcom Waterway Clean up Plan will be available during a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Bellingham Technical College, 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Building G, Room 102A.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
E-Cycle Washington Program
It's that time of year, when people begin thinking about spring clean up. Do you have electronic equipment you need to recycle? Then you may find the enclosed information helpful.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Whatcom County UGA Expansion Public Hearing is scheduled for July 13th
On the evening of July 13, 2010, the Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing to take public testimony on the proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2009-071 , The Official Whatcom County Zoning Map, and the County Comprehensive Plan and Maps to implement changes related to completion of the 10-year review of the urban growth areas required under the Growth Management Act, specifically the urban growth areas of Birch Bay, Ferndale, Nooksack, and Sumas (AB2010-054C)
This proposal will dismantle the work carried out last year to reduce urban footprints, prevent sprawl, and bring Whatcom County into compliance with state law.
July 13th is the public's first and ONLY opportunity to have a say in the decision. The proposed expansion could cost local taxpayers millions of dollars of hidden subsidies for local developers. (Where is Brett Bonner when you need him)?
Here are links to community sites with information about the proposed UGA expansion:
Link to Whatcom County Council page
Link to Paying the Costs of Sprawl
Link to "The Hidden Costs of Sprawl in Washington State"
Link to Information on the Cost of Sprawl in Washington State
Link to Futurewise UGA Talking Points
Link to Futurewise Whatcom
Congratulations to Futurewise. The Municipal League of King County has awarded Futurewise the 2010 Civic Award for Organization of the Year!
This proposal will dismantle the work carried out last year to reduce urban footprints, prevent sprawl, and bring Whatcom County into compliance with state law.
July 13th is the public's first and ONLY opportunity to have a say in the decision. The proposed expansion could cost local taxpayers millions of dollars of hidden subsidies for local developers. (Where is Brett Bonner when you need him)?
Here are links to community sites with information about the proposed UGA expansion:
Link to Whatcom County Council page
Link to Paying the Costs of Sprawl
Link to "The Hidden Costs of Sprawl in Washington State"
Link to Information on the Cost of Sprawl in Washington State
Link to Futurewise UGA Talking Points
Link to Futurewise Whatcom
Congratulations to Futurewise. The Municipal League of King County has awarded Futurewise the 2010 Civic Award for Organization of the Year!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Want to learn more about the crippling cuts Whatcom Transit will face if the April 27th levy doesn't pass?
People for Whatcom Transit willl be hosting a kick off party at the Blue Horse Gallery on February 3, 2010 to support the April 27th levy.
Place:
Blue Horse Gallery
301 West Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place:
Blue Horse Gallery
301 West Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Public Hearing on County Septic Inspection Rules - January 26th at 7 pm
Public hearing on weakening Septic Inspection Rules, January 26th at 7pm County Council Chambers, 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham
Whatcom County Council members Crawford and Brenner have introduced an Ordinance to amend existing septic system inspection requirements. Click here for a redline version that outlines proposed changes to existing code.
The Ordinace threatens water quality and public health by increasing our exposure to bacteria and disease. There is also concern that the proposed ordinance will put the county out of compliance with state law.
Mark your calendars! For additional information, please see Councilman Carl Weimer's post.
Also, check out Ken Mann's blogs (link to the right). Where Ken has posted a bombshell letter from Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney dropping a Critical Areas Ordinance infraction case.
Whatcom County Council members Crawford and Brenner have introduced an Ordinance to amend existing septic system inspection requirements. Click here for a redline version that outlines proposed changes to existing code.
The Ordinace threatens water quality and public health by increasing our exposure to bacteria and disease. There is also concern that the proposed ordinance will put the county out of compliance with state law.
Mark your calendars! For additional information, please see Councilman Carl Weimer's post.
Also, check out Ken Mann's blogs (link to the right). Where Ken has posted a bombshell letter from Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney dropping a Critical Areas Ordinance infraction case.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Washington Poll Results on I-1033 and R-71
Referendum 71:
On statewide referendum 71 – a measure that would expand the rights, responsibilities and obligations accorded to same sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage – how will you vote?
All Reg. Vote Likely Vote Already Voted
Yes Ref-71 –Certain 56 57 55
No Ref-71 – Certain 39 38 45
On statewide referendum 71 – a measure that would expand the rights, responsibilities and obligations accorded to same sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage – how will you vote?
All Reg. Vote Likely Vote Already Voted
Yes Ref-71 –Certain 56 57 55
No Ref-71 – Certain 39 38 45
Lunch with Hedrick Smith
Former New York Times reporter Hedrick Smith, who now produces documentaries for Frontline, will be visiting the University of Washington Department of Communication on Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunlight Foundation collects 221,000 signatures in support of Read The Bill
For the last several months, you've been making sure that your representatives know you want legislation to be online for at least 72 hours before it's debated - so that citizens and our representatives alike have time to actually read it.
Today, we're making sure they hear that it's time to Read the Bill. http://readthebill.org/
Today, we're making sure they hear that it's time to Read the Bill. http://readthebill.org/
Monday, October 5, 2009
More Misinformation and Fear Mongering
Members and supporters of the local individual property rights movement wear yellow shirts to public meetings to demonstrate unity and solidarity.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Check out Sunlight Foundation's "Read the Bill Petition"
"No matter where you stand, the debate is always better when you take actual details from the bill, instead of hearsay. This is why every bill should be available for 72 hours. Call your congressman today and ask them to sign the discharge petition for H. Res 554."
http://www.readthebill.org/
http://www.readthebill.org/
BTV now showing on City of Bellingham website
Now you can watch BTV10 anytime, anywhere on the City of Bellingham website at http://www.cob.org/ .
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Whatcom Farming Issues
8/25 Bellingham Herald Jared Paben
Farmers upset over county law to keep livestock out of sensitive areas plan to meet at Haynie Grange to discuss enforcement of environmental law. Whatcom County's enforcement of a law designed to protect sensitive environments from damage is driving some farmers to sell their animals rather than deal with the costly regulations, a Grange member said.
Farmers upset over county law to keep livestock out of sensitive areas plan to meet at Haynie Grange to discuss enforcement of environmental law. Whatcom County's enforcement of a law designed to protect sensitive environments from damage is driving some farmers to sell their animals rather than deal with the costly regulations, a Grange member said.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Washington Coalition for Open Government calls for Nominations for James Anderson Award
Call For Nominations 2009
James Andersen Award:
Honoring an individual or organization that has done something extraordinary to advance the efforts of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.
Nomination form available onlie at: www.washingtoncog.org/awards/ja_nomination.pdf
Deadline for James Andersen Award nominations is June 30, 2009.
Save the Date:
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009
For more information:www.washingtoncog/awards.html
Phone: 206.782.0393
Email: info@washingtoncog.org
James Andersen Award:
Honoring an individual or organization that has done something extraordinary to advance the efforts of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.
Nomination form available onlie at: www.washingtoncog.org/awards/ja_nomination.pdf
Deadline for James Andersen Award nominations is June 30, 2009.
Save the Date:
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009
For more information:www.washingtoncog/awards.html
Phone: 206.782.0393
Email: info@washingtoncog.org
Friday, March 6, 2009
Is My Bank Safe?
With recent bank failures, like Washington Mutual and Horizon, many consumers are seeking advice about how to evaluate the strength of their financial institution.
CNBC has a crated a slideshow on the world's safest banks: Slideshow: The World's Safest Banks
Bankrate provides ratings information for businesses and consumers to use as one factor in connection with banking decisions. Please note that Bankrate's rating information should not be exclusively relied on in making banking decisions. If you have questions about your lending institution, please contact the bank for additional information.
To access Bankrate, please click on the title of this article. The link will take you directly to Bankrate's website.
Consumers can also pull up a bank's FDIC call report. The FDIC keeps these quarterly financial reports on every U.S. financial institution. For a guide on how to read them, check out "How To Tell If Your Small Bank Is In Trouble."
Again, if you are worried that your bank might be struggling,don't panic. Talk at length with a trusted financial advisor and think about diversifying your risk by making additional deposits in other banks.
Seattle Times article on Washington Mutual by Drew DeSilver: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008204758_wamu26.html?syndication=
Seattle Times article on Horizon Bank by Drew DeSilver: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008803142_webhorizon02.html
CNBC has a crated a slideshow on the world's safest banks: Slideshow: The World's Safest Banks
Bankrate provides ratings information for businesses and consumers to use as one factor in connection with banking decisions. Please note that Bankrate's rating information should not be exclusively relied on in making banking decisions. If you have questions about your lending institution, please contact the bank for additional information.
To access Bankrate, please click on the title of this article. The link will take you directly to Bankrate's website.
Consumers can also pull up a bank's FDIC call report. The FDIC keeps these quarterly financial reports on every U.S. financial institution. For a guide on how to read them, check out "How To Tell If Your Small Bank Is In Trouble."
Again, if you are worried that your bank might be struggling,don't panic. Talk at length with a trusted financial advisor and think about diversifying your risk by making additional deposits in other banks.
Seattle Times article on Washington Mutual by Drew DeSilver: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008204758_wamu26.html?syndication=
Seattle Times article on Horizon Bank by Drew DeSilver: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008803142_webhorizon02.html
Monday, February 9, 2009
Ask President Obama to post Stimulus Bill Online
Dear Sunlighter,
Sunlight has long advocated that all legislation be posted online for at least 72 hours before consideration, and we've also been supportive of President Obama's campaign pledge to post all legislation online for five days before he signs it into law.
Now that Congress is on the verge of passing the Stimulus Bill, I need you to tell President Obama to post it online for five days before he signs it. (It looks like Congress will ignore our call to post the Stimulus Bill online before their consideration.) This important legislation will dramatically affect all of us, which is why we are asking you to help us demand a measured and transparent process for making this bill law.
Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ to urge President Obama to post the final bill as approved by the House and Senate approve on WhiteHouse.gov.
Please do it today, as this bill is moving very quickly. We issued a statement urging President Obama to post the final version of the bill passed by both the House and Senate for at least five days on WhiteHouse.gov. Additionally, we called on Congress to post the Stimulus legislation online for at least 72 hours bill before consideration.
The statement is online here: http://bit.ly/RDyr
Thanks,
Ellen Miller & the Sunlight team
Sunlight has long advocated that all legislation be posted online for at least 72 hours before consideration, and we've also been supportive of President Obama's campaign pledge to post all legislation online for five days before he signs it into law.
Now that Congress is on the verge of passing the Stimulus Bill, I need you to tell President Obama to post it online for five days before he signs it. (It looks like Congress will ignore our call to post the Stimulus Bill online before their consideration.) This important legislation will dramatically affect all of us, which is why we are asking you to help us demand a measured and transparent process for making this bill law.
Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ to urge President Obama to post the final bill as approved by the House and Senate approve on WhiteHouse.gov.
Please do it today, as this bill is moving very quickly. We issued a statement urging President Obama to post the final version of the bill passed by both the House and Senate for at least five days on WhiteHouse.gov. Additionally, we called on Congress to post the Stimulus legislation online for at least 72 hours bill before consideration.
The statement is online here: http://bit.ly/RDyr
Thanks,
Ellen Miller & the Sunlight team
Thursday, January 29, 2009
In Defense of Government
Is Government inherently bad?
Are all politicians and bureaucrats self-interested and/or self-serving?
Of course not. But bloggers and the media tend to write stories that focus on controversial government decisions and political corruption.
In fact, government routinely provides citizens with an organized system that allows elected officials, bureaucrats and citizens to work together for the common good of all.
In defense of government and the good work it does, Douglas J. Amy, Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College writes,
"democratic government is one of the greatest institutional inventions of modern Western civilization. It allows us to pool our resources and to act collectively to address the serious social, economic, and environmental problems that we are unable to deal with as individuals. The public sector is also how we provide for essential human needs that are neglected by the market – such as a clean air and water, safe workplaces, and economic security. What’s more, government serves as an essential instrument of moral action – a way for us to rectify injustices, eliminate suffering, and care for each other. In short, democratic government is one of the main ways we work together to pursue the common good and make the world a better place.
This is not to deny that American government has its problems. There are incidents of waste, some regulations are poorly designed, and some politicians abuse their power.
More importantly, our government is certainly not as democratic and accountable as it could be, and special interests have way too much political power. Such problems need to be fixed, and this site identifies several needed reforms. Nonetheless, whatever drawbacks this institution has right now are far outweighed by the enormous benefits that we all enjoy from a vast array of public sector programs. On the whole, government is good for us."
Amy's site can be accessed here: http://www.governmentisgood.com/
*The New York Times Editorial Board says this site is worth checking out and I concur!
Are all politicians and bureaucrats self-interested and/or self-serving?
Of course not. But bloggers and the media tend to write stories that focus on controversial government decisions and political corruption.
In fact, government routinely provides citizens with an organized system that allows elected officials, bureaucrats and citizens to work together for the common good of all.
In defense of government and the good work it does, Douglas J. Amy, Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College writes,
"democratic government is one of the greatest institutional inventions of modern Western civilization. It allows us to pool our resources and to act collectively to address the serious social, economic, and environmental problems that we are unable to deal with as individuals. The public sector is also how we provide for essential human needs that are neglected by the market – such as a clean air and water, safe workplaces, and economic security. What’s more, government serves as an essential instrument of moral action – a way for us to rectify injustices, eliminate suffering, and care for each other. In short, democratic government is one of the main ways we work together to pursue the common good and make the world a better place.
This is not to deny that American government has its problems. There are incidents of waste, some regulations are poorly designed, and some politicians abuse their power.
More importantly, our government is certainly not as democratic and accountable as it could be, and special interests have way too much political power. Such problems need to be fixed, and this site identifies several needed reforms. Nonetheless, whatever drawbacks this institution has right now are far outweighed by the enormous benefits that we all enjoy from a vast array of public sector programs. On the whole, government is good for us."
Amy's site can be accessed here: http://www.governmentisgood.com/
*The New York Times Editorial Board says this site is worth checking out and I concur!
When Perplexing Questions Arise, here's your Chance to be the "GO-TO" person your Colleagues Turn To!
Deadline for applications is February 16, 2009.
YES, YOU CAN:
Be one of 36 participants selected to attend a weekend-long intensive training conducted by a prestigious faculty.
Be assigned a mentor who will guide you in avoiding costly legal and public relations problems in the future.
Meet and interact with your peers from all levels of government around the state through activities designed to stimulate discussion of practical solutions to dilemmas you face on a daily basis in the workplace.
Receive a framed "Open Government Leader" certificate that you can proudly display upon completion of the Institute.
Presentations and Instructors:
The Press and Public Records: A Case StudyPresenter: David Seago
Navigating the Pitfalls of Washington’s Open Government Laws
Presenter: Tim Ford
An Introduction to Open Government
Presenter: Toby Nixon
Proactive Best Practices for Open Government
Presenters: Chris Leman and Donna McKereghan
Navigating the Public Records Act
Presenter: Duane M. Swinton
How Non-Disclosure Can Serve the Public Interest
Presenter: Ramsey Ramerman
For more information about the presentations and instructors please go to http://washingtoncog.org/ogli.htm
Apply now for the Open Government Leadership Institute May 1-3, 2009 at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way presented by the Washington Coalition for Open Government.
Tuition is $250 for WCOG members, $275 for non-members, including two nights lodging and four meals.
Application forms and complete details are available at:www.washingtoncog.org/ogli.htm or by mail from
WCOG:6351 Seaview Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107-2664
Questions? Please contact Patience Rogge:rogge@olympus.net, or by phone at (206) 782-0393.** Sponsorships for this event are available.
Please click here to contact Jim Walker for more information.
The Open Government Leadership Institute is supported by grants from the Norcliffe Foundation and the John L. and James S. Knight Foundation through the National Freedom of Information Coalition.
YES, YOU CAN:
Be one of 36 participants selected to attend a weekend-long intensive training conducted by a prestigious faculty.
Be assigned a mentor who will guide you in avoiding costly legal and public relations problems in the future.
Meet and interact with your peers from all levels of government around the state through activities designed to stimulate discussion of practical solutions to dilemmas you face on a daily basis in the workplace.
Receive a framed "Open Government Leader" certificate that you can proudly display upon completion of the Institute.
Presentations and Instructors:
The Press and Public Records: A Case StudyPresenter: David Seago
Navigating the Pitfalls of Washington’s Open Government Laws
Presenter: Tim Ford
An Introduction to Open Government
Presenter: Toby Nixon
Proactive Best Practices for Open Government
Presenters: Chris Leman and Donna McKereghan
Navigating the Public Records Act
Presenter: Duane M. Swinton
How Non-Disclosure Can Serve the Public Interest
Presenter: Ramsey Ramerman
For more information about the presentations and instructors please go to http://washingtoncog.org/ogli.htm
Apply now for the Open Government Leadership Institute May 1-3, 2009 at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way presented by the Washington Coalition for Open Government.
Tuition is $250 for WCOG members, $275 for non-members, including two nights lodging and four meals.
Application forms and complete details are available at:www.washingtoncog.org/ogli.htm or by mail from
WCOG:6351 Seaview Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107-2664
Questions? Please contact Patience Rogge:rogge@olympus.net, or by phone at (206) 782-0393.** Sponsorships for this event are available.
Please click here to contact Jim Walker for more information.
The Open Government Leadership Institute is supported by grants from the Norcliffe Foundation and the John L. and James S. Knight Foundation through the National Freedom of Information Coalition.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Senator Ranker sponsors Response Tug Bill to Prevent Oil Spills in Juan de Fuca Strait
Legislation introduced on January 20, 2009 in Washington’s Senate and House would require the oil, cargo and cruise industry to pay for a year-round response tug to stand by at Neah Bay to prevent vessel oil spills.
Senate Bill 5344 and House Bill 1409 would require all oil tankers, cargo vessels and large cruise ships to form a cooperative to contract for standby response tug service at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.“These bills are fair because they are based on the principle that those who create the risk to our ecosystem should be responsible for paying for preventing damage,” said Bruce Wishart, policy director of People For Puget Sound.
“The burden of paying for the tug should be taken off the shoulders of the taxpayers and assumed by industry.”A rescue tug has been stationed at Neah Bay since 1999 on a part-time seasonal basis and paid for by state and federal funds.
Since July 2008, the legislature has funded a full-time rescue tug to stand by at Neah Bay. That funding ends on June 30, 2009.Since 1999, the rescue tug has been responsible for 40 rescues or assists of oil tankers, cargo vessels, and other vessels in the region. Similar success stories surround tugs stationed in Alaska, Japan, France, Great Britain, and across the globe.
SB 5344 is sponsored by Senator Kevin Ranker(40th) and cosponsored by Senators Swecker, Rockefeller, Marr, Hargrove, Pridemore, and Fraser.HB 1409 is sponsored by Representative Kevin Van De Wege(24th) and cosponsored by Representatives Kessler, Upthegrove, Rolfes, Blake,Dunshee, Campbell, Jacks, Orwall, Seaquist, Appleton, Nelson, Roberts, Morris, Takko, Cody, Carlyle, McCoy, Goodman, Quall, Sullivan, and Liias.
People for Puget Sound memo on Oil Spill Prevention
http://www.pugetsound.org/programs/policy/action-agenda/oil
Seattle PI Article: "State not ready for oil spill," commission reports
Senate Bill 5344 and House Bill 1409 would require all oil tankers, cargo vessels and large cruise ships to form a cooperative to contract for standby response tug service at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.“These bills are fair because they are based on the principle that those who create the risk to our ecosystem should be responsible for paying for preventing damage,” said Bruce Wishart, policy director of People For Puget Sound.
“The burden of paying for the tug should be taken off the shoulders of the taxpayers and assumed by industry.”A rescue tug has been stationed at Neah Bay since 1999 on a part-time seasonal basis and paid for by state and federal funds.
Since July 2008, the legislature has funded a full-time rescue tug to stand by at Neah Bay. That funding ends on June 30, 2009.Since 1999, the rescue tug has been responsible for 40 rescues or assists of oil tankers, cargo vessels, and other vessels in the region. Similar success stories surround tugs stationed in Alaska, Japan, France, Great Britain, and across the globe.
SB 5344 is sponsored by Senator Kevin Ranker(40th) and cosponsored by Senators Swecker, Rockefeller, Marr, Hargrove, Pridemore, and Fraser.HB 1409 is sponsored by Representative Kevin Van De Wege(24th) and cosponsored by Representatives Kessler, Upthegrove, Rolfes, Blake,Dunshee, Campbell, Jacks, Orwall, Seaquist, Appleton, Nelson, Roberts, Morris, Takko, Cody, Carlyle, McCoy, Goodman, Quall, Sullivan, and Liias.
People for Puget Sound memo on Oil Spill Prevention
http://www.pugetsound.org/programs/policy/action-agenda/oil
Seattle PI Article: "State not ready for oil spill," commission reports
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