ALBUQUERQUE - The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government has chosen six New Mexicans as the recipients of its 2022 William S. Dixon First Amendment Freedom Awards. The awards are annually presented to those New Mexicans who believe in government transparency at the state or local level – and who have made significant contributions to casting sunshine (transparency) in government operations in the state.
Dixon Award winners will be honored with a Dixon Award event set for Oct. 6, 2022 at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel on Louisiana Boulevard in Albuquerque.
“For many years, FOG has honored those New Mexicans who believe that open government is good government,” Kathi Bearden, FOG president, said. “This year’s group acted on their beliefs instead of giving lip service to transparency and accountability. Their actions changed policies, procedures and allow everyone to participate in government.
The 2022 Dixon Recipients Are:
Byron Marshal, citizen
Byron’s nomination focused on his dogged citizen advocacy for the Hobbs City Commission to adopt video streaming and archiving of commission meetings – activism that began in 2015 and continues today. The city has repeatedly and proudly cited it as a means of government transparency and citizen engagement and in a March 2022, column entitled “City of Hobbs resilient in the face of COVID shutdowns,” Hobbs Mayor Cobb noted the streaming service would be reaching its sixth year. Not only the program’s inception, but its longevity, is thanks in large part to Marshal’s work to protect and strengthen open government. This is an interesting turnaround for the city as when Marshal first suggested the policy, it was met with resistance by the then-city manager and members of the city commission. His contribution to transparency and accountability extends to efforts regarding the city’s paid-time-off policy and employee cash payouts associated with the city’s new PTO policy. His persistent efforts have inspired many other Hobbs residents to inform and involve themselves in local government.
Thomas Grover, law
Albuquerque Attorney Thomas Grover has an extensive record as a litigator for individuals who have been unable to secure public records. His vast knowledge pertaining to the IPRA & OMA assists his clients in understanding their rights. "(IPRA) is my favorite four-letter word,” said Grover, who has successfully sued the cities, counties and others for noncompliance with the IPRA. His actions have resulted in changes in procedures by records custodians and public bodies, including the Albuquerque Police Department which now provides disciplinary