Key Award

Criteria

Any person or organization who has done something notable for the cause of open government within the past 12 months is eligible; this includes board members, WashCOG members, the general public or public officials. Individual self-nominations will not be accepted, although individuals may nominate their organizations. Click here for a downloadable nomination form.

2025 - Port Townsend Leader

The Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader and editor Meredith Jordan were honored with a Key Award for the paper’s longstanding push for access to public issues, including a recent investigation into the city manager’s compensation, a figure that was a surprise even to city councilmembers. “Their Sunshine Week special section was a thorough examination of the impact over many years in their community and their use of the Public Records Act. It was part history, part explainer and all testimony to the value of transparency,” said Ellen Hiatt, executive director of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

2025 - Jayme Peloli

Wilkeson Mayor Jayme Peloli was recognized with a Key Award for her open records work to find out why the Fairfax Bridge, connecting her town to Mount Rainier National Park, was closed due to failure. She found that delayed maintenance led to the gradual deterioration of the bridge, leaving Wilkeson without vital tourism dollars that came from those visiting the park from Highway 165. A council member at the time, Peloli was elected mayor in November 2025 and continues to push state officials for a solution that reopens the route.

WashCOG Secretary George Erb with Wilkeson Mayor Jayme Peloli on Jan. 14, 2026. — Photo by Colette Weeks

2025 - Julie Gunter

Julie Gunter, an activist parent in Seattle, pushed the state office of superintendent of public instruction to stop destroying records that affect students with disabilities. She tried to research care and practices when advocating for her child, but learned the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction destroyed records after six years, claiming space constraints. The issue isn’t settled, but she brought attention to the matter and legislation is pending; WashCOG recognized her efforts with a Key Award.

Disability advocates concerned about destruction of WA state records (Seattle Times)

2025 - R.L. McFarland

R.L. McFarland, a citizen activist, went to court to challenge the Walla Walla County Commissioners for violating the Open Public Meetings Act to support a local group called We of Liberty that opposed Gov. Inslee’s pandemic protocols. The board avoided taking a vote and omitted its decision from the official minutes, but sent multiple letters to state officials on behalf of the county. It took years to work through the court system, but McFarland prevailed in his complaint against “the January letters” and eventually forced the commissioners to rescind their action and pay a fiscal settlement; he also earned a Key Award from WashCOG.

2025 - David Burstein

David Burstein, a data science professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New Jersey, launched a website of resources for parents advocating for the needs of children with disabilities. The site, ieprestored.com, includes public records from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that are no longer available through the state’s website. The site’s focus is a searchable database of reconstructed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of several states, including Washington. It’s designed to help parents and advocates understand what services and supports are possible, and his efforts to promote transparency and access to useful materials was recognized by WashCOG with a Key Award. His site is IEPrestored.

2025 - Joe and Allison Riley

Kent residents Joe and Allison Riley were awarded a Key Award for their persistence and success in their lawsuit against the Kent School Board for violating the Open Public Meetings Act. They contended the board has a habit of not properly announcing and following the topic of discussion. The King County Superior Court ruled for the Rileys on two complaints, but the couple noted that the school district superintendent had earlier paid a fine for violating Public Disclosure Commission regulations.

Judge rules Kent School Board violated Open Public Meetings Act (Kent Reporter)