Biography

Indeed, I always start my profile with the words "trainer and consultant on good governance and good administration"... And people ask, of course, "what makes him an expert?!?" I'm just a civil society activist, I'm interested and I'm involved... I believe we can make good use of FOI legislation, if we seek to achieve legitimate goals... I have two very specific directions in mind, and I believe we can develop them both during the next mandate of the Steering Committee. I know I'll be working on both of them, irrespective of whether you'll trust me on this Committee or not :) 

I first encountered FOIA as a student in Bulgaria, in the mid-90s. Then, in 2001, while working with the Center for Legal Resources, I was invited to assist the creation of the Romanian law on access to information. In 2002, while I joined TI-Romania, I started using FOI legislation, monitoring FOI implementation, suggesting reforms for FOI oversight... Soon thereafter, in 2003-04, I started training fellow NGOs, journalists and civil servants on the proper use and implementation of FOI, with IRT, IPP, CJI, APD--almost all Romanian members of FOIadvocates :) In 2007, I interned for Access-Info, then worked on a parliamentary procedure for improved public participation in the proceedings of the Romanian Parliament. I failed in my 10 months at Parliament, just as I may have failed in my 3 years at the Integrity Council--but, at least, I opened to the public all the decisions related to the Integrity Agency. For the next 3 years, I'll "preach" the virtues of FOI legislation as training coordinator with the Advocacy Academy.

Statement of Interest

So, I told you that I've been thinking of two directions: One relates to purpose--spreading and upgrading the use of FOI legislation. That includes not only traditional NGOs and government institutions, but also trade unions and business associations. I believe transparency can avoid crises, can support development, can increase the quality of governance, and FOI is merely a stepping stone for public participation in decision-making, policy-making and legislative processes. The other direction relates to motivation--protecting whistleblowers that provide us with information withheld by governments. That includes support networks, legal reforms, as well as cultural changes in the workplace. And the more whistles get blown, the better we'll be prepared to participate, to partake in governance, to take on decisions, policies and legislation!

I'm not asking for your votes, and I'm not making promises, for I'm not a politician... I only ask that you vote! Vote for such candidates that can relay your vision and expand your horizons :) I know it's a tough job, but you gotta do it! ;)