PRESS RELEASE
June 27, 2008

Hershelman committed to open government

On May 25, Jefferson County commissioner candidate Sandy Hershelman signed the Washington Coalition for Open Government's "Open Government Pledge":

"I believe that government in Washington belongs to the citizens it serves. I believe that government functions best when its discussions and decision-making occur in the light of day. I believe that citizens of Washington have the right of access to records, discussions and decisions, outside of narrow exemptions specified by law. I pledge to support the public's right to know at every opportunity, and endorse the preamble to the state Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act:

"‘The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created.'"

Sandy plans to unseat the incumbent in District 2, David Sullivan. District 2 represents Port Hadlock, Irondale, Chimacum, Kala Point, Cape George and the surrounding areas.

Trained as a journalist—and a member of the Washington Coalition for Open Government—Sandy is committed to open and accountable government. She supports Attorney General Rob McKenna's and Rep. Lynn Kessler's efforts to pass legislation to mandate the taping of executive sessions, which would require public bodies to record their closed-door sessions in case legal issues arise.

"Our county government needs a change in attitude—and that starts at the top," Sandy said. "Public servants should operate for the good of the people. Decisions should be based on what helps the most people and harms the least. There's a fine balance between responsible governance and navigating the onerous laws forced upon local governments. The process must be open and transparent, with no illusion of deceit or conspiracy."

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Contact Sandy at 360.385.1087
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Lizanne Coker, Campaign Manager
Jana Daubenberger-Filli, Treasurer
P.O. Box 521
Port Hadlock, WA 98339

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