Local legislators awarded for disclosure of campaign records

All of the state legislators who represent this area were among 32 statewide who received Sunshine Awards from government watchdog group Democracy North Carolina.

Sen. Jean Preston, R-Carteret, and Reps. William Wainwright, D-Craven, Alice Underhill, D-Craven, and Pat McElraft, R-Carteret, were named to the group’s biennial award list. The awards are given to lawmakers who file “superior” reports disclosing details about their campaign expenses and donations.

The award symbolizes increasing emphasis on openness and accountability in state government, said Bob Hall, group director, in a news release.

He said that 2009 has been a transition year for greater openness in government. He said the year of openness began with Gov. Bev Perdue adopting measures for greater disclosure and campaign reform, and it ends with a top aide of former Gov. Mike Easley facing questions about his role in possible illegal activities that were revealed through campaign reports and e-mails obtained under the state’s open records law.

Award winners filed their six reports in 2007-08 on time and in an accessible format, listed the purpose of 99 percent of the expenses over $50, and provided economic interest or employer information for 99 percent of the dozens of individuals who gave more than $50 to their campaigns.