4: Recognition
Awards and Recognitions Other Information:
Summary of Activities for 2007: Andersen Award Created: This year, the Coalition established the James Andersen Award, to
be given annually to an individual or organization that has done something extraordinary to advance the efforts of the Washington
Coalition for Open Government. The award is named in honor of former Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice James Andersen,
a founder and emeritus board member of the Coalition who was acknowledged as a leader in open government through his many
court opinions. The inaugural award was personally presented by Justice Andersen to Frank Garred, also a founder of the Coalition,
its first executive director and past vice president, in honor of his many years of service. Key Award Created: The Coalition
also this year established the Key Award, which can be awarded by the Board of Directors at any time to an individual or organization
in honor of a good deed in advancement of open government. The name of the award recognizes the “key contributions” of the
award recipients, and the symbolism of the “key” to unlocking of public records and government information. The award includes
a special “Key Award” lapel pin and certificate, a free year of membership in the Coalition, and recognition on the Coalition
web site and in a news release. Twelve Key Awards were presented during 2007; the recipients are listed on the Coalition web
site. Third Annual James Madison Award: The James Madison Award, the Coalition’s highest honor, is presented each year to
an individual or organization whose commitment to the cause of open government has been demonstrated through exemplary words
or deeds. This year, the award was presented to Paul Wright, founder of Prison Legal News. Paul was imprisoned for 17 years
in Washington State until his release from prison in 2003. During and since his incarceration, he has successfully litigated
a wide variety of censorship and public records issues against prison systems around the country both pro se, as a plaintiff,
and on behalf of Prison Legal News, including the largest ever award in Washington for a public records case. Annual Awards
Event: The Coalition’s annual awards event was held at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle on September 21, during Constitution
Week. It included presentation of the James Madison Award, the James Andersen Award, and six Key Awards, including presentations
to Attorney General Rob McKenna and House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler. The keynote address was presented by State Auditor
Brian Sonntag, and the emcee was Steve Pool of KOMO 4 News. Over 100 people attended the event. Significant financial support
of the event was provided by ten sponsors, and over $20,000 in in-kind advertising contributed to its success. The event was
taped by TVW and broadcast several times statewide.
Objective(s):
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