February 1, 2008

By Keith Robinson Associated Press

Two state lawmakers were honored Thursday by Indiana’s largest newspaper industry group for their work in closing a loophole that enabled public bodies to skirt state law and meet in secret. Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, and Rep. Russ Stilwell, D-Boonville, received Frank O’Bannon Sunshine Awards during the Hoosier State Press Association’s annual meeting and government conference. They sponsored legislation prohibiting “serial meetings,” in which members of public boards meet privately in groups smaller than a quorum and discuss the same subject, sidestepping state law requiring public meetings when a majority of members attend.

The loophole allowed Indiana University’s trustees to meet without public notice to discuss basketball coach Bob Knight’s fate in 2000 shortly before he was fired. David Hill, editor of the Daily Reporter of Greenfield, said the loophole was “doubtlessly exploited in countless town halls all over the state.” The newspaper nominated Gard for the award.

Gard in 2005 and 2006 had introduced similar legislation, which passed in the Senate but did not advance in the House. She was the author of the bill that eventually passed. Gard said there were times during the three years when she doubted that the legislation would ever pass.

“The third time was the charm,” she said in accepting the award. “This is something we absolutely have to do to make government more transparent to the public.” Stilwell sponsored the legislation in the House. Publisher Jack Pate of the nominating Evansville Courier & Press said Stilwell “was passionate in support of the bill and said serial meetings deny a citizen’s essential right and obligation to check the power of government.”

The award, named for the governor who died in 2003 during his second term, honors individuals or groups for their efforts to protect open government in Indiana. O’Bannon was an advocate of that cause. “It is special to have anything with Frank O’Bannon’s name attached to it,” Stilwell said.

At a dinner Wednesday to celebrate the HSPA’s 75th anniversary, Gov. Mitch Daniels said newspapers continue to play a vital role in informing the public of government business. “We all have a huge stake in your success,” he said.

The HSPA also presented its Distinguished Service Awards to Barbara King, publisher of the North Vernon Plain Dealer, and Dennis Huber, retired publisher of The Corydon Democrat, for their longtime work in the HSPA and its foundation. The HSPA represents nearly all daily and weekly paid circulation newspapers in Indiana.