[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E71-E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SULLIVAN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the City of 
Owasso, Oklahoma, in the First Congressional District for receiving an 
A+ rating in government transparency by the online citizen's watchdog 
group, Sunshine Review. I congratulate the City of Owasso for receiving 
this prestigious award and becoming the first city in Oklahoma to 
receive a perfect grade.
  The Sunshine Review is an online resource that monitors government 
transparency at the local, county, and state levels throughout the 
country. According to the organization, they seek to make government 
accountability and records accessible for all citizens and taxpayers to 
read. In order to assess a city's rating, the Sunshine Review compiles 
a ``transparency checklist'', consisting of ten basic sections of 
accountability. Each section must

[[Page E72]]

have proper online access for its constituents to review governmental 
work, including budgets and contractual information for elected and 
administrative officials.
  I am proud that Owasso became the first city in Oklahoma to receive 
this distinguished honor. As we work towards accountability and 
transparency in Congress, Owasso remains a shining example to local and 
state governments and to what our nation must accomplish as a whole. By 
receiving a perfect grade, the City of Owasso remains a shining example 
of a local government taking responsibility to its citizens and 
taxpayers they represent. All citizens deserve an open forum to see how 
their government spends their hard-earned, taxpayer dollars.
  I firmly believe that an open and honest government is the most 
effective way to give Americans the transparency they deserve. Owasso's 
focus on this important issue illustrates their steadfast leadership to 
promote accountable governance at all levels. I am proud of the city 
for this great accomplishment.

                          ____________________