WashCOG receives its largest-ever contribution; launches two-year project on transparency

The Washington Coalition for Open Government has received the largest single contribution in the coalition’s 21-year history, thanks to the generosity and dedication of longtime Seattle residents, Jim and Birte Falconer.

 The $150,000 contribution, made through the Seattle Foundation, will fund a two-year project, Right2Know, which will include a report on the status of open records in Washington.

 “This generous contribution is a testament to the commitment of the Falconers to open and transparent government, and we are very proud they have chosen the coalition to bring the message of good government to the citizens of our state,” said WashCOG Executive Director Juli Bunting.

 That the people have a right to know was the idea in 1972, when a citizen’s Coalition for Open Government in Washington State, a predecessor group, successfully worked for the passage of Initiative 276. It was a major steppingstone to laws that provide open meetings, access to public records, and public disclosure of campaign finances, lobbying, and financial affairs of elected officials.

 Some 50 years later, the people’s right to access government information is eroding at the state and local levels. Often with good intentions, sometimes with bad intentions, governments tend toward closure and withholding information that legitimately should be public, said coalition President Mike Fancher.

 “We believe the situation for open government is as bad as it has been since 1972,” Fancher said. “Open government advocates are winning many battles but losing the war. The public is losing access to government.”

“This is a moment of opportunity to alert the public and inspire them to action,” Fancher said. “We believe the Right2Know White Paper will provide a foundation for legislative and legal action, possible structural change and potentially another citizen initiative.”

 Fancher added the project will include increased engagement in high schools, colleges, educational organizations, civic groups and the media – anywhere there are opportunities to spread the word about the importance of open government in a democracy.

 The Falconers also noted the urgency of the situation: “We arrived in Seattle just before the passage of Initiative 276 by the citizens of Washington. Little did we know that we would have to be fighting this battle again 50 years later.”

“We are committed to making Washington a model for the nation when it comes to transparency and accountability,” Bunting added. “This incredible contribution will allow us to do that and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity. The fact that the Falconers have chosen to support WashCOG at this level is also a testament to the hard work of this organization for the last 20 years and confidence in our ability to facilitate change where necessary.”

The Washington Coalition for Open Government is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that was established in 2002 as a public advocate for open government.