Author: Mark Brooks

Independent Journalist/Photographer --- USN Veteran. Involved as a citizen and journalist in politics and open government locally and sometimes statewide. Interests: photography, music, justice and equality for everyone.

My family’s recycling efforts

By Mark Brooks When I moved in with my partner in 2003, her family had never recycled before, whereas I had been an active recycler since around 1990. Where I was living in the 90's made it very easy to do, since single-stream recycling was what the county offered.  Then in 2002, I moved from … Continue reading My family’s recycling efforts →

Republicans threaten end of religious group adoptions in Virginia over same sex and unmarried adoptions

Both the Republicans in the Virginia Legislature and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) are pressing hard to get rules prohibiting discrimination in adoption thrown out. Same-sex couples and unmarried couples would be affected by this action. NOM has gone as far as saying they would push for the end of adoption by religious entities in … Continue reading Republicans threaten end of religious group adoptions in Virginia over same sex and unmarried adoptions →

Nonprofit bloggers shine

By Mark Brooks I found this article a while back and hadn't had a chance to write about it yet. Rosetta Thurman, a blogger, consultant and author, posted on her blog, "Top 10 Young Nonprofit Bloggers to Watch". We might only think of blogging for politics or an interest that you like to keep current … Continue reading Nonprofit bloggers shine →

Judge ignores FOIA law, refuses civil penalty on Westmoreland County

This article is reprinted from my blog a few weeks ago. The story is too good not to give it an encore. Heartland of Virginia During the trial phase of an action brought recently by citizens in Westmoreland County, a judge refused civil penalties for the Board of Supervisors, the Administrator of the IDA (Industrial … Continue reading Judge ignores FOIA law, refuses civil penalty on Westmoreland County →

Welcome to Sunshine Week

By Mark Brooks This is the 7th Annual Sunshine Week and is being celebrated by lovers of open government all over the country.  Started by the American Society of Newspaper Editors and supported through a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, it has become a popular event each year for those … Continue reading Welcome to Sunshine Week →

Norfolk residents, teachers speak out

Norfolk native and TV host and commentator Ed Schultz held his program Wednesday night at the high school he attended. For more of the show, go to the Ed Show video page on MSNBC

Sunshine Week starts March 13th

By Mark Brooks March 16, 2011 is James Madison's birthday. It is also during Sunshine Week for this year. Megan Rhyne, Director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, has a post on her blog with some early information. Her organization (VCOG), is the Virginia coordinator for Sunshine Week. The Freedom of Information Act is … Continue reading Sunshine Week starts March 13th →

Fairfax Schools complain about following FOIA law

By Mark Brooks Elizabeth Schultz just wanted to find out information about a school that had been going to be renovated. The same school turned up listed for closure later, to the surprise of almost everyone. Clifton Elementary, in the Fairfax Public Schools system, is the school in question. She was concerned about decisions being … Continue reading Fairfax Schools complain about following FOIA law →