AUGUSTA – Sen. Peggy Rotundo (D-Androscoggin County) was recently presented with a special award by the Maine Press Association. The award recognized her efforts as Senate Chair of the Freedom of Access Study Committee. This was a special committee formed by the Legislature to increase public access to government information.

The Freedom of Access Award is given by the Press Association at their annual fall conference, and is traditionally given to those in the news media who make special efforts to ensure public access to information. This is the first time the award has ever gone to elected officials. The House Chair of the Committee, Rep. Ted Koffman (D-Bar Harbor) shared in the award.

“We honored Sen. Rotundo and Rep. Koffman for their efforts leading the Freedom of Access Study Committee. Working with a diverse group of organizations who often had conflicting goals, they brought forth consensus instead of stalemate,” stated Jeff Ham, executive director of the Maine Press Association. “By focusing on those areas where they could turn out a product in the form of a recommendation or legislation they were able to make real progress.”

For her part, Sen. Rotundo felt the committee had a critical role to play. “Never has the need for a free and independent press been greater,” said Rotundo. “In order for us to live in a strong democracy, citizens must have an understanding of their government’s work. I am pleased that we have been able to strengthen Maine citizens’ access to public information and I am honored to have been able to work with others to help make this happen.”

The Press Association held its Fall Conference at the Grand Summit Conference Center at Sunday River. For more information about the association or the Freedom of Access Awards, go to Mainepress.org.