Newsletter
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Legislators’ voting histories
Freshman legislators vow to revisit measure to make lawmakers' votes more accessible. At the Virginia Coalition for Open Government's annual conference on Oct. 22, Dels. Mark Keam (D-Vienna) and Jim LeMunyon (R-Oak Hill) announced they would again be bringing forth a bill to make the voting histories of General Assembly members searchable online. Currently a…
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Your voice at the General Assembly
Ask any legislator who is the most effective spokesperson on a particular bill and you're likely to get the same response: a constituent! Lawmakers rely on staffers, lobbyists and activists to provide them with the information they'll need to help them decide how to vote. But what really gets their attention is a citizen who…
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VCOG conference – overview
VCOG conference highlights Va. open government issues More than 75 people attended VCOG’s annual conference, Oct. 21 and 22, in Richmond. Attendees gathered for a cocktail reception Thursday the 21st at the Downtown Richmond Crowne Plaza. Dinner followed, where VCOG’s annual FOI award winners were recognized, including the Richmond Public School Board, Steven Vegh…
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VCOG conference – students
Students' FOIA rights violated, student paper editor says By Talisha Williams Virginia Commonwealth University Colleges and universities sometimes deny student journalists access to information that by law should be open to all, a campus newspaper editor told the Virginia Coalition for Open Government 11th annual conference, held Oct. 22 at the state Capitol. Katie…
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VCOG conference – technology
Experts: Use Technology to Open Government By Brenda Acevedo Virginia Commonwealth University Thanks to the Internet, citizens have greater access to government records and other public information, representatives of government agencies said this fall at a panel discussion at the state Capitol. "The whole idea is that you should be able to go online…
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What they’re saying about WikiLeaks
[Julian Assange] sees himself as a moral crusader, exposing “injustice” and bringing down “administrations which rely on concealing reality.” Rubbish. He’s a renegade, a brilliant and reckless rebel who wields cyber-power without accountability. His leaks tear down civilization, his “truth” endangers rather than reforms. His little power trip should be brought to a halt by…
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Around the Commonwealth
AUGUSTA COUNTY – A judge ruled Sept. 7 that the Augusta County Board of Equalization violated FOIA's meeting provisions in 2008 when it posted a note on the door to the main meeting room instructing citizens to "please wait here until your case is called." The judge also instructed the county to lower Thomas Cline's…
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A letter to our friends
Dear Friend of VCOG: In 2011, VCOG will celebrate its 15th anniversary. For 15 years, VCOG has been the go-to resource for issues affecting transparency in the Commonwealth. We pushed for the creation of the Virginia FOIA Council and we've lobbied every year for and against bills affecting access. We've put on a dozen annual…
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A letter to our friends
Dear Friend of VCOG: 2011 marks VCOG's 15th anniversary. For 15 years, VCOG has been the go-to resource for issues affecting transparency in the Commonwealth. We pushed for the creation of the Virginia FOIA Council and we've lobbied every year for and against bills affecting access. We've put on a dozen annual conferences, given workshops…
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October10 e-newsletter
October e-newsletter is online
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VCOG’s annual conference returns to Richmond
VCOG’s annual conference returns to Richmond, CapitolTwo-day event features newsworthy topics on access and transparency in governmentThe Virginia Coalition for Open Government will present its 11th conference on access Oct. 21-22 in Richmond.Each year VCOG brings together experts from the access community, the press, the government and citizen activists to discuss the issues of the day…
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The FOIA process often works differently
The FOIA process often works differently for media, citizensBy MEGAN RHYNEVCOG Executive Director One of the ideals underlying VCOG’s formation in 1996 was the notion that Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act was a citizens’ law, not a press law. It was the people’s right to know, not just a reporter’s right to know. VCOG’s first…
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VCOG Bulletin Board
VCOG Bulletin Board This summer, VCOG welcomed five new members to its board. Olga Hernandez, Frosty Landon and Jeff South will fill at-large seats, while Ed Reams and Melody Scalley will take up two of the five seats reserved for broadcasters. Hernandez is president of the Virginia League of Women Voters. Landon, former editor of…
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Access Across America tour stops for VCOG
Access Across America tour stops for VCOG What kind of records are there out there, and what can I learn from them? What do I do when estimated fees are too high? What if my request for records is denied? Should my request letter be sweet, salty, or downright bitter? These were but some of…
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Big turnout for VCOG FOIA records management seminar
Big turnout for VCOG FOIA, records management seminar Nearly 100 people turned out for VCOG’s first seminar on records management and the Freedom of Information, held Sept. 13 at the Library of Virginia. Representing 48 state and local agencies throughout the state, attendees received tips and strategies about using effective records management to make filling…
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FOIA citizenship case can proceed
FOIA citizenship case can proceed A 4th Circuit panel reviewed the part of Virginia’s FOIA that says the law can be used only by Virginia citizens (and media operating in the state). The appeals court determined that two out of three plaintiffs challenging the provision could continue their suit. A lower court threw out the…
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A ruling, but the Social Security numbers game continues
A ruling, but the Social Security numbers game continues A unanimous 3-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a federal appeals court governing Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Maryland, ruled that privacy advocate BJ Ostergren could not be punished under a law prohibiting the publication of Social Security numbers…
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Board of Equalization violated FOIA
Bd. of Equalization violated FOIA Augusta County Circuit Judge Victor Ludwig ruled Sept. 2 that the Augusta County Board of Equalization violated FOIA when it met in a small conference room and posted a sign on the outside door directing citizens to “please wait here until your case is called.” The judge said the room’s…
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Around the Commonwealth
Around the Commonwealth FRONT ROYAL – It’s been a roller coaster ride in Front Royal over bribery allegations involving a solar farm. For months the town refused to give out much information about the allegations, legitimately citing various FOIA exemptions. Then in July, the mayor announced that to clear the air, he was going to…
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FOIA 101 – Requests for records
FOIA 101 Virginia’s FOIA says only this about making a request for records: “A request for public records shall identify the requested records with reasonable specificity. The request need not make reference to this chapter[.]” There is no requirement that the request be in writing. A request for records is therefore valid whether you ask…
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September10 e-newsletter
The September issue of the Sunshine Report is online.
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August10 e-newsletter
August 2010 e-newsletter
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2010 General Assembly session positive for open government
Lawmakers review and pass bills good for transparency, bypass those that weren’t The short version is that most of the bills to surface during the 2010 legislative session that VCOG would consider “bad” were defeated in some fashion, and most of the “good” bills made it through both chambers. Many of the bills VCOG…
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Director’s Note, April 2010
Creative uses of FOIA may be legal, but they don’t serve the public well Imagine these two scenarios: 1. Prior to a city council meeting, Councilman A huddles with Councilman B, talking, nodding and gesturing. Councilman B then goes over to Councilman C, again talking earnestly. Councilman B, then goes to Councilman D, then,…