Michael Reitz, executive vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, was elected president of the Michigan Coalition for Open Government at the volunteer group’s board meeting September 22.
“Good government is open government,” said Reitz. “The people of Michigan can expect the Michigan Coalition for Open Government to continue to advocate for access to public records, open public meetings and policies that empower citizens with information about the actions of all levels of government.”
He succeeds founding president Jane Briggs-Bunting who remains on the board. Jeremy Steele, executive director of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, was elected as vice president, replacing Reitz who served in that position.
Garry Gilbert, director of journalism at Oakland University will continue to serve as the group’s secretary.
Reitz expressed the board’s appreciation for Jane Briggs-Bunting: “Jane has been a tireless champion of government transparency. It was her vision to establish the Michigan Coalition for Open Government and we thank her for her leadership, service and passion.”
The Michigan Coalition for Open Government is a tax exempt, Michigan nonprofit corporation founded to promote and protect transparency and accountability in the governments of the people, by the people and for the people at the local, state and federal levels. The Coalition is actively testifies at legislative hearings to support and oppose legislation that impacts government transparency, provides free, non-legal advice to citizens seeking help in drafting freedom of information requests and has joined as an amicus in appeals court cases.
To join the effort, please click on the “Join the Coalition” tab on miopengov.org.