Sunshine Week Seminar on Open Government, March 23rd

Citizens’ rights and obligations under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and Open Public
Meetings Act (OPMA) will be the subject of a seminar Sunday, March 23rd
at the Clementon Community
Center, 165 Gibbsboro Road, from 11:30 am to 5
pm.

The seminar is sponsored by the NJ Foundation
for Open Government, a state-wide organization which advocates for transparency
in government, educates residents in their rights and how to get information
and data using the laws and files court actions to force compliance.

“We focus on Municipal Governments and Boards
of Education where some of the worst abuses of withholding information from the
public occur,” said Walter Luers, an attorney who is President of the
Foundation.  “Government, in our view, functions best in the bright light
of day and we try to help citizens shine that light on their governments,”
Luers said.  The Foundation has participated in numerous suits against
governing bodies for violations of the Open Public Records Act.

Two panel discussions with be held followed
by audience questions.  The fee of $10 on line and $15 at the door covers
lunch and refreshments.  The cost to students with valid student ID is $3.

Hon. Samuel Cianfarini, Committeeman West Deptford Township, will be recognized for his work in promoting and
advocating for open government.  Two Citizen Awards are to be announced.

1:15-2:30: PANEL 1. Open Public Records Act and Open Public
Meetings Act from a Government Perspective.  This panel will discuss OPRA
and OPMA issues from a government perspective and the challenges they
face.  Moderator: Walter M. Luers, Esquire.

Panelists:

Anthony H. Ogozalek Jr, Esq. of Beckman,
Roth, Ogozalek and Perez, Gibbsboro, NJ Solicitor; West Deptford Township,
Clementon Housing Authority Assoc. Counsel; Burlington County Board of Social
Services; Honorable Richard Direnzo, Councilman Haddon Heights Borough; Ginny
Murphy, Vice President Washington Township Board of Education (Gloucester
County), Vice President Gloucester County School Boards Association; New Jersey
School Boards Association Board of Directors.

2:35-3:45: PANEL 2. Open Public Records Act and Open Public
Meetings Act from a Public Perspective.  This panel will discuss case law
and issues facing the public in regards to OPRA and OPMA.

Panelists: Walter Luers, Esquire; John Paff,
Citizen Activist; Krystal Knapp, Professional Journalist.

4:00-5:00: Question and Answer about OPRA/OPMA, group
discussions.

To participate in the seminar, register at njfog.org
or call 908-894-5656.