2Day in #OpenGov 11/30/12

by

NEWS ROUNDUP:

Government

  • SEC change buoys hope for disclosure: The departure of Mary Schapiro as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised hopes among those who want the agency to force disclosure of political activities by publicly traded companies. They are hopeful the new SEC head will be more open to the reform. (The Hill) 
  • Presidential appointments announced: Some of President Barack Obama’s intended appointments have been announced. Among those intended appointees is Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, who Obama would like to appoint as chairwoman of the Public Interest Declassification Board.  (The Hill)
  • NASA using Ideascale to revamp website: NASA is using Ideascale to gather ideas for redesigning its website. The idea with the most votes is to make more raw data available to the public. (FCW)
Lobbying
  • Top Boehner aide departs for lobbying world: A top aide to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), George Rogers, is leaving to become executive vice president and corporate secretary at lobbying firm Wexler & Walker. (National Journal)
  • Bates heads to K Street after retirement: Former U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY), who retired this summer citing family medical reasons, is founding new lobbying firm Republic Consulting with lobbyist Hunter Bates. (Roll Call)
International
  • UNDP launches open data platform: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched an open data browser as part of its commitment to the International Aide Transparency Initiative. (Global Integrity)
  • Northern Europe least corrupt in world: This year’s index of world corruption released by the World Justice Project found northern European countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland to be the least corrupt. The United States, meanwhile, moved down one spot in the ranking to place 18th. (Wall Street Journal)
  • Syria shuts down Internet, cell phone service: Syria’s government appeared to be responsible for shutting down Internet and cell phone service in the country on Thursday. The Syrian government said terrorists were responsible for the blackout. (The Hill) 

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • None

HAPPENING TODAY 11/30: 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
  • None.

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