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04/30/2015

Support the Ohio Coalition for Open Government by becoming a member

The demand on the Ohio Coalition for Open Government’s funds, particularly to support court cases on important transparency issues, keeps growing.  One legal battle can easily cost $50,000 or more if it reaches the Ohio Supreme Court.

We know you are interested in OCOG, or you would not be among the more than 1,000 people on our email list. Unfortunately, few of our supporters are contributing members.

Today we urge you to become a member of OCOG with a yearly payment of $35 for individuals; $50 for non-profit; and $70 for attorney/corporate membership.

OCOG’s activities include monitoring government officials for compliance, filing “amicus” (friend-of-the-court) briefs in lawsuits, litigation and public education. OCOG operates on a small amount of vested funds – less than $65,000 at this writing -- and pro bono staff and logistical support from the parent – the Ohio Newspapers Foundation.

Just last month, OCOG’s involvement helped achieve two important victories when the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the names of substitute teachers and a callback from a 911 dispatcher in a murder case were indeed public records. Several major cases are pending. One challenges the ability of campus police to secretly arrest and investigate. Another involves a school board that used e-mail to exclude a fellow board member from public deliberations.

By becoming a paying member you will continue to receive the OCOG newsletter twice a year that covers open government and sunshine law issues at both the state and national level. You’ll also be entitled to group or individual use of the FOI telephone hotline, handled by OCOG President Dennis Hetzel with support from expert attorneys at Baker & Hostetler in Cleveland. 

You can join OCOG and donate to the organization by credit card when you fill out OCOG’s online donation and membership form. OCOG is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

And in case you missed it, don’t forget to read OCOG’s most recent issues of the Open Government Report, which is the only publication offering a comprehensive look at open government and sunshine law issues in Ohio.

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