Washington Coalition for Open Government

The death of former House Speaker Frank Chopp on Saturday, March 22, came as sad and unexpected news.

Chopp, the longest-serving speaker of the House and a longtime supporter of open government, had been honored March 14 with the Ballard-Thompson Award.

Colette Weeks has succeeded Juli Bunting as executive director for the Washington Coalition for Open Government. Bunting will continue as a part-time coalition adviser until she retires at the end of the year.

It’s the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week, a weeklong recognition of the importance of open government and access to public records.

WashCOG will honor open-government advocates, journalists and legislators at its annual Sunshine Breakfast on March 14 in Bellevue, Washington. State Attorney General Nick Brown will be the keynote speaker, and tickets are still available.