NFOIC conference: secret dams, fiscal transparency, and gizmos for spreading FOI
This past weekend I was fortunate to attend the National Freedom of Information Coalition annual conference in Minneapolis. For the first time, much of the conference was recorded by video and provided online. Here are the highlights:
* Detroit Free Press Editor and Publisher Paul Anger talked about their award-winning coverage of the former Detroit mayor's shenanigans, thanks to their aggressive pursuit of government text messages.
* Coalitions for FOI are strong nationwide - now nearly every state has one. The NFOIC is focusing its efforts on helping coalitions sustain themselves once they get started. Check your state's coalition at the NFOIC member list. These are great resources (if you are being stonewalled by an agency over a record, contact your state coalition and maybe they'll raise a stink or request the same record to get things moving).
* Several journalists talked about the difficulty in getting government agencies to provide records that show problems in infrastructure, such as dams and bridges. Agencies say they are keeping the records secret to protect us from terrorists but it appears they are instead trying to cover up the fact our infrastructure is failing because we aren't putting money into maintenance and repairs - putting us all in further danger.
* A panel discussed groups who are trying to make government spending more transparent. You can't follow the money if you can't see it!
* Some cool new technologies are being used to spread FOI. For example, check out Alltop.com to see FOI blogs combined into one place.
Kudos to NFOIC Executive Director Charles Davis (a former SPJ FOI Committee chair) and his staff for putting on an excellent conference and continuing to improve FOI nationwide.