OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — In a step toward greater government accountability, nearly 750 Oklahomans attended Open Meetings and Open Records seminars across the state this fall. The events were organized by the Office of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the Oklahoma Press Association (OPA). The seminars aimed to empower citizens with the knowledge needed to safeguard transparency in public governance.
The series, hosted in Lawton, Woodward, Tulsa, McAlester, and Oklahoma City, tackled key statutes in the Oklahoma Constitution that ensure public access to government operations. Deputy General Counsel Thomas Schneider and OPA Executive Vice President Mark Thomas led the sessions. They offered insights into the state’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws.
“These seminars play a vital role in ensuring government transparency and accountability across Oklahoma,” Drummond said. “The strong attendance demonstrates that Oklahomans are deeply committed to understanding and upholding these principles.”
Empowering Oklahomans with knowledge
The free seminars drew a diverse group of attendees, including city council members, county officials, school board representatives, attorneys, and law enforcement officers. Each participant received a copy of the Oklahoma Open Meetings and Open Records Book—a crucial resource in navigating transparency laws.
“Transparency affects the life of every Oklahoman, and OPA is pleased to provide these seminars and books,” said OPA Executive Vice President Mark Thomas. “Government and citizens must work together to advance our common goals. We are thankful to every attendee, and for the local newspapers who fund the effort to understand these important laws.”
Oklahoma AG pushes for transparency with Open Records meetings
Since taking office nearly two years ago, Attorney General Drummond has prioritized transparency. The seminars underscore the importance of citizen participation in ensuring open governance, especially in a state with a history of officials refusing to adhere to open records law.
The Office of the Attorney General and OPA plan to expand the program in the coming year, further equipping Oklahomans to demand accountability from their public officials.
As Oklahoma faces ongoing challenges in public accountability, initiatives like these seminars offer hope for a more informed and engaged citizenry. By empowering attendees with the tools to understand and enforce transparency laws, the state takes a significant step toward fostering trust between its government and its people.
