Robert Freeman of the New York State Committee on Open Government has been nominated as a “Local Hero” as part of the Sunshine Week activities.
Even with a limited staff due to government cut-backs, Robert Freeman continues to help residents (and government alike) by answering questions about the Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law. He has done this via phone calls and emails and hard-copied letters. Mr. Freeman has introduced quite a few “up-grades” to these laws to help make government more transparent. I wish there were more people in our government like Mr. Robert Freeman because he takes his job seriously and is extremely helpful.
Mr. Freeman travels all around New York State teaching people about the Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law. He constantly “pushes” to make government more open and transparent. The website maintained by his office is chock full of information. Mr. Freeman is a rare individual. What he does for the people of NYS — residents and govt officials alike — is stupendous.
Read the entire list of nominees.
From the Sunshine Week website:
Across America, people are making a difference in their communities by utilizing information gleaned from the freedom of information laws in their cities, states and the federal government.
To recognize these “Local Heroes,” Sunshine Week will soon be seeking nominations for its annual awards to individuals who have played a significant role in fighting for transparency in government.
Sunshine Week 2012, to be celebrated March 11-17, is being co-sponsored for the first time this year by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The goal is to focus attention and spur dialogue about the importance of protecting and utilizing access to government information.
The Sunshine Week Local Hero of 2011 was Gloria Howell of Stevenson, Wash., who forced disclosure of public records that revealed corruption in the county auditor’s office, leading to the auditor’s resignation. Read more about Gloria and other past honorees in the Local Heroes gallery to the right
The 2012 Local Hero winner will be honored at the 2012 ASNE annual convention in Washington, D.C. April 2-4. The winner’s expenses to attend the conference will be covered by Sunshine Week. Second- and third-place winners will receive $500 and $250, respectively.
UPDATE: The deadline for nominations has been extended to Wednesday, March 7.