—  TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT  —

TAKING ACTION: Sheila believes in the positive impact and potential local government can have on its citizens. As the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History, she understands the inner working of governmental systems.  During her professional career, she worked tirelessly to enlighten her students on the importance of critical thinking  and civic engagement.  However, the role of government took on new meaning the night Sheila’s 17-year-old son was shot and killed by a police officer in the driveway of her home. Through the horrors of this tragedy, Sheila discovered the penalties citizens pay for living in a “dark state” like Kansas ,which lacks quality open records laws. The difficulties Sheila faced to get basic information into how her son, John, died is unacceptable, but not unique in states where records are largely kept under wraps, even when a case is closed. Sheila refuses to allow the same experience to occur for another family or citizen.

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE: If your community is looking to become more transparent and more human-centered, then accept the challenge and submit your request. Sheila is looking to work with individuals and organizations seeking to create change in their local and state government systems.

GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY

After horrifically losing her son, Sheila found herself on the outside of a system where she had been an actively engaged participant.  Given the publicity of a police-involved shooting, she naively thought the system would use the facts surrounding the death of her teenage son, to make crucial changes to training and policy.  Sheila quickly realized the systems, currently in place, provided no intention of working in a transparent manner.  It became clear, the laws within government protected the system itself, rather than meeting the needs of the community.  

In the months following John’s death, the community rallied around Sheila and her family. Together, Sheila, her husband and community members formed JoCo United. JoCo United is an advocacy group focused on improving the safety and health of the community.  JoCo United launched in August 2018 with hopes of improving access and training in the area of mental health response.  In addition, the community has been adamant in calling for drastic changes to open records laws and better access to information impacting public safety. JoCo United’s strategic goals include the following:  

1. Improve Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Response

2. Expand Oversight and Access to Information

3. Partner with Municipalities/Agencies to Adopt Universal Policies Tailored to Meet Community Needs

In Fall 2019, Sheila and Kansas House Representative filed statewide legislation, HB 2424.  In the event an officer involved shooting results a death, the public would have access to investigative documentation if the county prosecutor decides not to file charges.  The investigative documentation would be redacted to protect the names and privacy of law enforcement and witnesses.  Similar legislation was previously championed in Wisconsin by Michael Bell and the group Plea for Change.  Michael collaborated with the director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Jim Palmer to unanimously pass a statewide law that advanced transparency and public trust.  Sheila continues the push for government transparency, and is proud to work with national experts. For more information on this topic and valuable resources, find out more on the websites of NFOIC and the Brechner Center.