Union county citizens are invited to take advantage of free training on using the Open Public Records Act to obtain public documents from their local governments on Thursday, September 28, 7pm, at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ.
The free event is being sponsored by the Union County Watchdog Association (UCWA) in response to many requests from local residents seeking information on how to utilize the OPRA. The New Jersey Foundation for Open Government, the state advocacy organization dedicated to open government, will provide the training and materials, as well as answer questions and provide follow-up support.
“Hosting events such as this one in Union County gives us the opportunity to educate the public and give them the necessary tools to participate in the legislative process thereby holding elected officials accountable at all levels of government” explained Tina Renna, President of the UCWA.
Approximately 100 people attended a UCWA-sponsored program last year in which a trainer from the Citizens Campaign taught how to effectively advocate and participate in municipal government. Many people who attended expressed an interest in learning more about the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
Space is limited. Reserve your seat early by contacting Tina Renna at (908) 709-0530, or email at TinaRenna@UnionCountyWatchdog.org.
The New Jersey Foundation for Open Government seeks to increase transparency, accountability, honesty and democracy in government at all levels by defending and expanding public access to government records and meetings. www.njfog.org
The Union County Watchdog Association believes that good government can only be achieved through a checks and balance system that includes the watchful eye of the people. They strive to make county government more transparent by gaining access to public records and being a public resource for information. www.unioncountywatchdog.org
