Reed awarded top open-government honor

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Secretary of State Sam Reed, who has made government transparency and access to public records a signature issue during his three terms, is the 2011 winner of the James Madison Award of the Washington Coalition for Open Government. Reed, who leaves office after his term ends in early January, 2013, was honored at the non-partisan group's annual awards event in Seattle on Friday, a day when he was also the acting governor. The award honors Reed’s “appreciation for, and dedication to, the cause of open government since taking office,” including advocacy of accessible and accountable government, preserving and displaying public records, battling successfully in the Supreme Court to defend the public’s right to initiative signatures, and creating the Digital Archives in Cheney, serving customers and voters online, and saving the State Library. Frank Blethen, publisher and CEO of The Seattle Times, introduced Reed as "bringing sunshine" into government and into people's lives. Blethen, last year's winner, said open government is under siege and that citizens and media need to be ever vigilant. He said Reed will be remembered for his work on transparency and voter education, and also for his fair and nonpartisan handling of the ultra-close 2004 governor's race and his successful battle for an open Top 2 Primary that gives a voice to all voters.

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Reed, in his acceptance speech, said government openness and transparency have been a signature issue throughout his 35 years in state and local government elective office.

"More than ever, we need well-informed and engaged citizens, openness, and civil discourse if we are to make wise and effective decisions in community and country. These are exceedingly trying times, and I, for one, believe we are up to the task here in the state of Washington."

He noted the polls show a huge disconnect between people and their national government, and challenged Washington citizens to stay engaged in reform and in collaborating to find solutions.

"This generation is not going to give up, or give in to permanent cynicism."

Reed said "sunshine," transparency and watchdog accountability will be a big part of the solution to healing the disconnect. He also touted the projects and programs of the Office of Secretary of State that have opened public records and information in digital and online forms that make millions of documents and voter resources available free 24-7. He mentioned the State Archives, including the Digital Archives; Elections; the State Library, including the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library; and public records advocacy, including the Doe v. Reed case on disclosure of initiative petitions. The Coalition also awarded Patience Rogge of Port Townsend the James Andersen Award for outstanding open-government achievement by an individual or organization. She has served on the Coalition board and organizes public education forums around the state. She is a library activist and directs the Fort Worden Oral History Program. Citizen open-government awards also went to Elizabeth Campbell, Walter Jorgensen and Robert Shirley.