Craig Staudenmaier Named ‘Hero of the 50 States’
HARRISBURG, PA, October 1, 2021 – Nauman Smith partner, Craig Staudenmaier, has been inducted into the National Freedom of Information Coalition Open Government Hall of Fame as a ‘Hero of the 50 States.’
The National Freedom of Information Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes press freedom, litigation, and legislative and administrative reforms that ensure open, transparent, and accessible state and local governments. It was founded in 1989. Heroes of the 50 States: The State Open Government Hall of Fame recognizes long-term contributions of individuals to open government in their respective states.
Craig was nominated by Susan Schwartz, President of the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition, citing his unwavering commitment to advancing the public’s access to records under the state’s right-to-know laws which Craig is known for helping to establish.
Craig was one of four inductees for 2021. The other three representing their home states of Michigan, Florida, and Wisconsin.
While concluding his acceptance speech during the induction ceremony, Craig ended with an impassioned reminder to his fellow inductees that, “The average citizen is counting on us to take up these issues and fight these battles because they largely cannot. We must remind government at all levels that someone is watching and holding them accountable. I often tell my clients, even when we are unsuccessful, that we still have sent the message that someone is keeping tabs and will continue to do so. We do not have the luxury of quitting, nor will we.”
For more information on Nauman Smith’s Right-to-Know Law practice, please visit Right-to-Know Law – Nauman Smith – Harrisburg PA (nssh.com). For questions about Nauman Smith’s 150th Anniversary and general firm inquiries, please email Sarah Schrank at sschrank@nssh.com.
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