Other LanguagesOLYMPIA—Attorney General Bob Ferguson today informed the members of the Washington State Sunshine Committee he has restored the Open Government Assistant Attorney General to a full-time position. Ferguson will begin recruitment today.
The Attorney General’s Office created the Open Government Ombuds position in 2005 to encourage greater access to government information, answer questions from the public, media and government staff and assist in resolving disputes.
The position was reduced to half-time in July 2011 due to budget restrictions. The assistant attorney general serving in that role was assigned to represent a legal division for the other half of the time.
“In the interest of promoting open, transparent government, I have decided to invest in a full-time open government ombuds position that serves the public, media and government agencies on open government issues,” Ferguson said. “Government is better served when the public is informed and able to engage in our democracy—and government agencies better serve the people when they fully understand and follow open government laws.”
The agency’s Open Government Assistant Attorney General will have:
• Strong analytical and communications skills;
• A thorough working knowledge of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act;
• Demonstrated experience developing and presenting trainings;
• A commitment to helping the public resolve disputes; and
• Dedication to serving the public’s interest in open government.
Ferguson is seeking to fill the position as soon as possible.
The recruitment may be found on the Attorney General's website.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans.
Contacts: Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications
Alison Dempsey-Hall, Dep. Communications Director