Axel Ebermann – New York Coalition for Open Government https://nyopengov.org New York Coalition for Open Government Sat, 07 Dec 2024 22:03:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nyopengov.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/nycog1-150x150.jpg Axel Ebermann – New York Coalition for Open Government https://nyopengov.org 32 32 Silence is Not Golden 2 – Report Update 2024 https://nyopengov.org/silence-is-not-golden-2-report-update-2024/ Sat, 07 Dec 2024 21:53:18 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=8620

Silence is Not Golden - Part 2

2024 Update to our original 2023 report:

 

“Silence Is Not Golden

NY State Should Recognize The Public’s Right To Speak At Government Meetings!”

Click here to read the original report

Download Report as .pdf

Silence%20is%20Not%20Golden%20-%20Part%202%20Final

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]]> Open Government Champion Awards https://nyopengov.org/open-government-champion-awards/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:53:56 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=7405

Open Government Champion Awards

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“Democracy, like a precious jewel, shines most brilliantly in the light of an open government.”

As we celebrate Independence Day, we want to take the opportunity to recognize media organizations as a vital pillar of our democracy. No open society can flourish without an informed citizenry, and the press is our natural ally in the quest to inform the public and defend citizens’ rights to access information from public institutions.
 
We are recognizing eight organizations for their outstanding reporting on issues concerning government transparency in New York State, with two additional recognitions being given to student publications.
Congratulations to Our Awardees!
 
Altamont Enterprise
The Altamont Enterprise & Albany County Post is a weekly newspaper in Albany County. Recognized for their great open government reporting, especially by reporters Noah Zweifel & Sean Mulkerrin.
 
Post Journal/Dunkirk Observer
The Post-Journal, a daily newspaper in Jamestown, NY, is recognized for its outstanding open government reporting by reporter Matthew Stafford.
 
Riverhead Local
Covering Riverhead, NY, in Suffolk County, Riverhead Local is celebrated for its excellent open government reporting, including a “transparency to-do list” for an incoming town supervisor.
 
Palladium Times
The Palladium Times, serving Oswego County, is noted for its great open government reporting by reporter Ken Sturtz.
 
Westmore News
Westmore News covers Port Chester and Rye Brook in Westchester County. Mrs. Abel wrote a piece on the town restricting committee members from speaking about their service.
 
Mountain Eagle News
Covering Otsego, Delaware, Greene, and Ulster Counties, Mountain Eagle News is praised for Leila Crockett’s article on the Fulton town supervisor eliminating public comments.
 
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
A daily in Lockport, NY, covering eastern Niagara County. Recognized for great open government reporting by Benjamin Joe, who wrote about a mayor’s media gag order and short notice for a town board meeting.
 
Adirondack Daily Enterprise
Serving the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake, Franklin, and Essex Counties. Recognized for editorials on transparency, including “Hochul’s Budget Fails to Address Transparency” and Sunshine Week efforts.
 
Student Journalist: Adelaide Barlow
Adelaide, a high school yearbook editor, just graduated and will attend the University of Washington. She fights for First Amendment rights in New York schools.
 
Student Journalist: Holden Velasco
Holden Velasco, Editor-in-Chief of The Knight News at Queens College, has led the paper through a crisis, building teams of reporters, multimedia journalists, and social media managers.
 
Keep up the great work, everyone!
>>> Read our full blog here
]]> Press Awards: Open Government Champion nonadult Syracuse Press Club Award https://nyopengov.org/syracuse-press-club-award/ Tue, 07 May 2024 02:20:33 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=7225

Syracuse Press Club Award

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Coalition Vice President Michelle Allen Accepts the award by the Syracuse Press Club

We are very proud and honored to receive an award for our fight for open and transparent government by the Syracuse Press Association.

 

“The coalition’s activities have included trips to Albany to lobby elected officials, sharing stories about open government issues through social media and highlighting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s poor record on government transparency in contrast to her promises. And the coalition has spoken out against municipalities that have demonstrated a lack of transparency in Central New York.”
 

https://syracusepressclub.org/news/julie-halpin-ny-coalition-for-open-government-win-2024-spc-transparency-awards/

 

 

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> New York State Agencies Are Not Tracking FOIL Requests And They Should https://nyopengov.org/new-york-state-agencies-are-not-tracking-foil-requests-and-they-should/ Thu, 02 May 2024 13:28:01 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=7196

New York State Agencies Are Not Tracking FOIL Requests And They Should

Download Report as .pdf

Watch the Press Conference

State%20FOIL%20Report%202024

Additional Exhibits:

State FOIL Report Graphs

State FOIL Report Exhibits

 

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]]> Report: New York State Agencies Are Not Tracking FOIL Requests And They Should nonadult FOIL & OML Education Session at the 2024 New York Press Association Meeting https://nyopengov.org/foil-oml-education-session-at-the-2024-new-york-press-association-meeting/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 22:47:17 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=7269

FOIL & OML Education Session at the 2024 annual New York Press Association Meeting

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robyn gray speaking at the annual new york press association meeting 2024

Robyn Gray and Mary Louise Kling speaking at the annual New York Press Association Meeting in Albany

A free and informed press is essential to the health of a democracy, and media organizations are our crucial allies in the fight for open and transparent government.

It was with great honor that we accepted the invitation to conduct an educational session on Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and Open Meeting Law (OML) at the annual meeting of the New York Press Association in Saratoga Springs, NY.

These laws are cornerstones of public accountability and transparency, and by educating journalists and media professionals about them, we reinforce the fundamental principles of democracy.

We are proud to collaborate with and support the media in their vital role of informing the public, ensuring that government remains accessible and accountable to all.

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> Sunshine Week 2024 https://nyopengov.org/sunshine-week-2024/ Sun, 10 Mar 2024 17:55:16 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=6767

We are going to Albany for Sunshine Week!

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A group of volunteers from the Coalition is heading to Albany to promote several pieces of legislation that would increase government transparency and accountability in New York State.

Click here to learn about our
Legislative Priorities

https://nyopengov.org/legislation-action/

Monday (03/11), we will be knocking on the doors of legislators, Tuesday (03/12), we are going to hold a press conference with some of our partner organizations.

We Urge the Legislature and Governor to 

Strengthen New York State’s

Freedom Of Information Law for Sunshine Week

 

The New York Coalition For Open Government, Reinvent Albany, and the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) invite you to a joint press conference in honor of Sunshine Week. We will be joined by legislative champions and other advocates to present several pieces of legislation to address the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) crisis in New York State.

 

Date: Tuesday, 03/12

Time: 10:30 am

Where: Albany – New York State Capitol, fourth-floor lobby outside the Senate Chambers

 

Legislators in Attendance (sponsors of FOIL reform legislation):

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Senator John Liu

Assemblymember Steven Raga

 

Speakers: 

– Paul Wolf Esq., President – New York Coalition for Open Government 

– Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor – Reinvent Albany  

– David Siffert, Legal Director – Surveillance Technology Oversight Project 

– Blair Horner, Executive Director – New York Public Interest Research Group 

– Erica Smitka, Deputy Director – League Women Voters of NYS

– Shane Ferro, Staff Attorney with the Digital Forensics Unit – Legal Aid Society 

– Justin Harrison, Senior Policy Counsel – New York Civil Liberties Union 


Sunshine Week is a non-partisan, nationwide initiative uniting participants from journalism, civic groups, government, and the private sector to emphasize the critical role of public record access and transparent government in maintaining a healthy democracy. Celebrated annually in mid-March, this event coincides with the birthday of James Madison, a staunch advocate for transparency, and is marked alongside National Freedom of Information Day on March 16th.

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> Press Release: Court Hearing Dates – Lawsuit against the City of Buffalo https://nyopengov.org/press-release-court-hearing-dates-lawsuit-against-the-city-of-buffalo/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:40:59 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=6352

Court Dates New York Coalition For Open Government Lawsuit Against the City of Buffalo

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Court Hearing Scheduled For Tuesday February 6th, 10:00 am at 50 Delaware Ave., 8th Floor Part 31 Before Supreme Court Justice Craig Hannah

Contact: Axel Ebermann – PR Chair
axel.ebermann@nyopengov.org

In October of 2023, the Buffalo Common Council passed a local law, which the Mayor approved to raise the salaries of the Mayor, Councilmembers, City Comptroller and School Board members. 

 

The New York Coalition For Open Government filed a lawsuit calling the rush for government officials to raise their own pay a story of arrogance and greed. We pointed out in our legal papers that violations of Common Council meeting rules, the City Charter and the Open Meetings Law occurred.

 

A key issue in this case is whether the Board of Review consisting of the Mayor, City Comptroller and Council President is subject to the NY State Open Meetings Law. It is our position that a three-member board established by the City Charter consisting of three elected officials is subject to the Open Meetings Law. Appointments to the Citizens Salary Review Commission, a key part of the process must be done by the Board of Review. The Board of Review by the City’s own admission never held a public meeting; never provided notice to the public of their meeting; never posted meeting documents or meeting minutes online, regarding their appointments to the Salary Review Commission. All of which are violations of the Open Meetings Law.

The City of Buffalo has responded to our lawsuit calling our claims “inherently baseless”. The responding papers by the City contain affidavits filed by Mayor Byron Brown, City Comptroller Barbara Miller Williams and former Council President Darius Pridgen, stating the Board of Review met and conducted public business by telephone. The City is making the incredible argument that the Open Meetings Law does not apply to the Mayor, City Comptroller and Council President conducting business as the Board of Review, as the Board is not a public body.

 

Another key issue is whether the Citizens Salary Review Commission is a public body subject to the Open Meetings Law. Our position is that under the Open Meetings Law a body that performs a necessary governmental function is subject to the law. The City Charter requires the Commission to make a recommendation to the Council by a specific date, which the Council must act on. Without a report from the Commission a pay raise cannot occur. As a public body the Commission did not comply with the Open Meetings Law in that they provided remote access for their meetings to government officials but not to the public and they held an illegal executive session to discuss providing pay raises for government officials. There is no basis under the Open Meetings Law for discussing elected official salaries in private behind closed doors away from the public.

 

The City’s position is that the Salary Review Commission is not a public body and is therefore not subject to the Open Meetings Law.

 

Before we get to arguing the merits of our case, the first question that needs to be answered is whether Erie County Supreme Court Justice Craig Hannah is going to hear this case or recuse himself from doing so? 

 

Justice Hannah has a long history with Mayor Byron Brown. Hannah worked on Byron Brown’s State Senate staff and was appointed by Mayor Brown to the Buffalo City Court bench in 2006. In 2019, Mayor Brown appointed Judge Hannah to be the Chief Judge of Buffalo City Court. In 2022, while running for Erie County Supreme Court Judge Hannah personally contributed several hundred dollars to Mayor Brown’s Mayoral campaign and he personally contributed to the campaigns of two City Councilmembers. As this lawsuit addresses whether the Mayor and City Councilmembers will receive a pay raise it is a fair question as to whether Justice Hannah should hear and decide this case. 

 

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> 2WGRZ – City responds to salary lawsuit, calling it ‘inherently baseless’ https://nyopengov.org/2wgrz-city-responds-to-salary-lawsuit-calling-it-inherently-baseless/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:35:21 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=6342

City responds to salary lawsuit, calling it 'inherently baseless'

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City responds to salary lawsuit, calling it 'inherently baseless'
New documents in the lawsuit over the legality of pay raises for city officials raise questions about whether certain meetings should be open to the public.
“I find that to be pretty shocking that we can have three elected officials conduct a meeting behind closed doors by phone,” said Paul Wolf from the NY Coalition for Open Government.

Attorneys for the city say that claims made are “inherently baseless.”

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> Observer Today – Hochul hit for no open government mention https://nyopengov.org/observer-today-hochul-hit-for-no-open-government-mention/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:52:38 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=6336

Observer Today - Hochul hit for no open government mention

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Hochul hit for no open government mention
Gov. Kathy Hochul was criticized by the New York Coalition for Open Government for failing to mention anything related to open government in her State of the State address. “The governor proposed ...

Gov. Kathy Hochul was criticized by the New York Coalition for Open Government for failing to mention anything related to open government in her State of the State address.

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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]]> Uphold Transparency https://nyopengov.org/uphold-transparency/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:02:46 +0000 https://nyopengov.org/?p=6328

Letter to the Editor: Uphold Transparency

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Uphold Transparency - 27 East
Uphold Transparency Happy New Year to all village residents and faithful readers of my frequent letters. I appreciate your willingness to engage with critical community discussions. Today, I bring to ...
Southampton, NY resident David Rung took the time to write a great letter to the editor calling for more transparency by village officials.
“I encourage our village officials to revisit their approach to Freedom of Information requests with a focus on openness. Upholding transparency is not only about following legal mandates but also about fostering trust and accountability within our community. It is crucial that our village practices reflect a genuine commitment to these values.”

The Author

Paul is the founder of the NY Coalition For Open Government and has truly loved seeing it become what it is today and is excited about its future growth.

As an attorney for 32 years, he is a partner in the law firm of Berzer & Wolf. Prior to his private law practice, Paul served in several government positions with the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo Housing Authority, and Erie County.

When he is not practicing law and doing open government stuff, Paul enjoys spending time with his spouse, Cheryl, and his three children, Michael, Joseph, and Julia. Paul resides in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.

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