Unveiling Government Transparency: Join Us for a Public Forum on the Arkansas FOIA

If you’re eager to learn more about government transparency and how you can play a role in shaping the future of Arkansas, don’t miss this chance to be part of an important conversation at a free public forum dedicated to discussing the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its proposed amendments.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Signature Bank Building, 303 North Main Street, Harrison

At this forum, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with a panel of experts who will delve into the intricacies of the proposed citizen-sponsored Constitutional Amendment and Initiated Act concerning the Arkansas FOIA. Whether you’re curious about the legislative process, the significance of transparency in government, or how you can actively participate in ensuring accountability, this event is for you.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the proposed Constitutional Amendment and Initiated Act
• Exploring the implications for government openness and transparency
• Learning how citizens can contribute to the signature gathering process
• Discussing the upcoming statewide referendum elections and voter registration

Meet Our Featured Speakers:

1. Jimmie Cavin
   

   A resident of Conway and an individual known to be a “bulldog” when researching and reviewing potential FOIA violations. Jimmie comes to Harrison with many FOIA victories under his “belt”, is a member of the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency, and has consistently stated that “the Act will protect citizens’ interests in governmental openness and transparency and will punish governmental officials who violate those interests with stiff personal financial penalties”. Jimmie is also a member of the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency Ballot Question Committee and is known statewide as an expert concerning the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and its mandates.

2. Paul Bode
   

   A native of New York, retired after working for 35 years in the nuclear industry. Paul is now a citizen of Harrison and has developed respect for the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act since moving to the Natural State. He has consistently endeavored to learn as much as he can concerning the functions of local, county, and state governmental entities in Arkansas. Paul appreciates the state’s FOIA for being “the public’s law” and vocally encourages citizens and governmental officials to study and review the important statute, learn of its mandates, and endeavor to apply the law for the betterment of the State’s citizens and governmental bodies. During the public forum, Paul will present a citizen’s view of the State’s FOIA and will serve as one of the forum’s keynote speakers.

3. Joey McCutchen
   

   Probably no one in Arkansas is more passionate, more knowledgeable, and more up-to-date concerning Arkansas Freedom of Information Act issues than Joey McCutchen from Fort Smith. Lead attorney for the McCutchen Napurano–The Law Firm in Fort Smith, Joey, to many individuals, ranks at the top concerning all aspects of the state’s FOIA, its application, and its use by citizens to better ensure openness and transparency in all governmental dealings. Known to many, also, as a “bulldog” when he deals with transparency issues, Joey’s presence and comments during the public forum, promise to be an opportunity for citizens attending to hear from the “master”. Anyone desiring to learn about the “people’s law”, the state FOIA and its valuable contribution to governmental openness and transparency will not want to miss the comments from McCutchen.

Additional Information:

• Free voter registration materials will be available upon request.
• Opportunities to sign petitions related to the upcoming statewide referendum elections will be provided.
• Complimentary finger foods, soft drinks, and bottled water will be served to all attendees.

Event Sponsorship:

This forum is made possible by the generous support of the “We, the People Of Boone County Committee,” the “Boone County Good Government Group,” and the “Boone County Transparency in Government Group.” Their dedication to promoting transparency and civic engagement is instrumental in fostering a more accountable and inclusive government.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of an important conversation about the future of government transparency in Arkansas. Join us on February 22nd and let your voice be heard!