Video conference on transparency
Jalisco & New York: One in pursuit of transparency
Joaquín Sena Lacayo
What do the states of Jalisco and New York have in common? The common ideal of creating a fully transparent system of government.
On May 21, 2009, the United States Consulate of Guadalajara, Mexico hosted a videoconference regarding the issue of governmental transparency. The conference was presented by Camille Jobin-Davis, Assistant Director of the New York State Committee on Open Government. Jobin-Davis went over specific points regarding the controversial issue, alongside Consul General Edward Ramotowski. Mr. Ramotowski stressed the importance of transparency and stated, “In the United States, governmental transparency, especially on the federal level, truly began in the 1960’s when President Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)”.
Jobin-Davis spoke of the different aspects that governmental transparency consists of and declared excitedly that President Obama, “is an ardent supporter of the issue, as is the governor of New York”. Jobin explained the ins and outs of the new model being used in New York, which is composed of two parts; one of freedom of information, and another of open audiences.
The importance of governmental transparency and the organizations that promote it was stressed, especially in the state of Jalisco. One of the main promoters of local governmental transparency is the Instituto de Transparencia e Información Pública de Jalisco, whose president enthusiastically participated in the conference.
Jobin-Davis often presents conferences regarding governmental transparency, with an emphasis on the model followed in New York. She has given advice regarding the topic to various organizations, media outlets, and representatives from Nigeria, Bulgaria, and China, among others.
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