BEGA won’t reappoint OOG Director Hughes

Statement: D.C. Open Government Coalition Condemns Decision to Decline to Reappoint Office of Open Government Director

Today, the District’s Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA) voted to not reappoint Office of Open Government Director Traci Hughes to another term. It did not state the rational for this decision.

Since 2013, Ms. Hughes has carried out the mission of this new office to promote transparency within the District government despite challenges and hurdles raised by her own government colleagues, including those within BEGA. The D.C. Open Government Coalition condemns the decision to refuse to re-appoint Traci for a second five-year term.

Last month, we reminded BEGA of its mandate to hold public bodies and officials accountable to D.C. residents without fear or favor. Government transparency is essential to prevent political corruption. To fulfill its duties, BEGA must protect the independence of the Office of Open Government (OOG). Our letter explains why BEGA should resist political pressure to oust Ms. Hughes,and what BEGA should do to strengthen the OOG going forward. Read more…