Kessler receives "Freedom's Light Award"

Award is newspaper association's highest honor given to non-journalists

October 9, 2007

YAKIMA – In recognition of her efforts to promote open government and protect the public’s right to information, Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam) has been honored with the Freedom’s Light Award by the Washington Newspaper Publisher’s Association (WNPA).

The award is the highest honor given by WNPA to non-journalists. It was presented to Kessler at the association’s 120th annual convention in Yakima by Sequim Gazette publisher – and 24th district constituent – Sue Ellen Riesau.

Open government and freedom of information have long been key issues for Kessler, who serves as House Majority Leader. During the 2007 Legislative session, she sponsored House Bill 1445, which created a state “Sunshine Committee” to review exemptions to public records laws. She also sponsored House Bill 1366, which protects members of the news media from being forced to testify in legal proceedings. The bill ensures journalists can keep their sources confidential, something that Kessler says is vital to a free and democratic press.

“The right of people to know what their government is doing is vital in a democracy,” Kessler said. “And we must ensure that our media can continue to serve as protector of the public trust and a consumer watchdog that keeps the public informed.”

This is the second time in two weeks Kessler has been recognized for her commitment to transparency in government – the Washington Coalition for Open Government last month presented Kessler with their Key Award.

Also recognized by WNPA was State Attorney General, Rob McKenna. When announcing the Freedom’s Light Awards, WNPA General Manager Bill Will said, “Advocates of a transparent and accountable government won some key victories in Olympia during the past year, and the two public officials who deserve the lion's share of credit for those successes are Lynn Kessler and Rob McKenna. They promised reform -- and they delivered."

The Freedom’s Light Award was created in 1995 and is presented annually to a Washington resident who has protected or advanced First Amendment interests in the state. Kessler is the fifth state legislator to receive the award, and the third from the House of Representatives.

“It is a true honor to be selected as a Freedom’s Light Award recipient, and I will continue to advocate for First Amendment and freedom of information rights in our state,” Kessler said.

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Rep. Lynn Kessler, (360) 786-7904

Media Staff Contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Website and print-quality image:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

Bill information

HB 1445: http://aor.leg.wa.lcl/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=1445&year=2007

HB 1366: http://aor.leg.wa.lcl/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=1366&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.