Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including Ambassadors, good news out of California, and privacy concerns.

National News

• Transparency is the key to solving problems on Wall Street according to Michael Lewis, author of “Flash Boys,” a new book on the high-speed trading industry. (POLITICO)
• Following controversy surrounding some of the donors recently nominated to serve as Ambassadors by President Obama, the State Department will begin posting copies of mandatory “certificates of demonstrated competence,” for each nominee online. (Government Executive)
• Ann Ravel, a relatively new member and vice-chair of the Federal Election Commission, publicly criticized her agency in a New York Times op-ed last week. Ravel argued that the commission is paralyzed by politics. (Government Executive)

International News

• As privacy and surveillance become increasingly prominent and pervasive concerns, many are starting to ask how open government and privacy interact. (Tech President)

State and Local News

• California lawmakers gave new powers to the state agency tasked with overseeing campaign finance. The California Fair Political Practices Commission will now be able to start investigations or audits before elections. Disclosure rules were also improved. (Washington Post)
• Editorial: Two New Mexico counties are keeping the sunlight out by demanding search fees before records requestsers are even aloud to see that the documents they asked for exist. (Government Technology)

Events This Week 4/7 – 4/11

• Improving predictability and transparency in DEA and FDA recognition. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health. Mon. 4/7. 3:00 pm. 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.
• The Economic Impact of Open Data. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Tues. 4/8. 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Arent Fox, 1717 K Street NW, Second Floor Auditorium, Washington, DC 20036.

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