Wisconsin AG to continue open government meeting series

I noticed in an editorial by the Oshkosh Northwestern the other day that our new attorney general, J.B. Van Hollen, plans to continue holding the office’s “Open Government” seminars round the state. For years these free, informational meetings have been held to educate elected officials and the general public at large on the state’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws – what their intent is, how they’re supposed to work and how to ensure that they’re being followed.

I commend AG Van Hollen for continuing this trend; and I think the Northwestern has put forth some good, very workable ideas to make the meetings both more effective and meaningful. But I would also encourage our attorney general to make certain he and his office not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. As we see far too often in government – at all levels – it is one thing to give the impression you stand for something; it’s quite another to actually take a stand in that direction. Again, I applaud these continued efforts – they are vital to openness in government. But the real test will be how Van Hollen’s office handles Open Meetings or Open Records complaints filed with his office.