The Ohio Coalition for Open Government

The Ohio Coalition for Open Government (OCOG) is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) corporation established by the Ohio Newspapers Foundation in June 1992. The Coalition is operated for charitable and educational purposes by conducting and supporting activities to benefit those who seek compliance with public access laws. It is also affiliated with a national network of similar state coalitions.

The Coalition serves as a clearinghouse for media and citizen grievances that involve open meetings and open records, and offers guidance to reporters in local government situations. The activities of the Coalition include monitoring government officials for compliance, filing "amicus" briefs in lawsuits, litigation and public education.

The annual memberships to OCOG, as approved by the board, entitle a group or individual the use of the new FOI telephone hotline, handled directly by attorneys at Baker & Hostetler in Cleveland, and subscription to the newsletter.

OCOG is funded by contributions from The Ohio Newspapers Foundation and other outside sources. It’s seven-member board includes public trustees from organizations with an interest in freedom of information. Coalition chairman is David Greenfield, The Repository, Canton. The other trustees on the Coalition board are Tom Callinan, The Cincinnati Enquirer; Ken Douthit, Douthit Communications; Doug Franklin, The Dayton Daily News; Tom Hodson, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, Athens; Christine Merritt, Ohio Association of Broadcasters; and Ron Royhab, The Blade, Toledo.

David Marburger, Baker & Hostetler, serves as legal counsel and Frank Deaner, ONA executive director, serves in the staff role as president.