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The following is a release from the Pima County Communications Office:

TUCSON - Pima County received an A-minus on an open government measurement conducted by
Sunshine Review, a nonprofit dedicated to government transparency.

The score was the highest issued for counties in the state of Arizona. Only Pinal County
scored as high on a 10-point checklist that evaluates the scope of online information
provided to citizens.

The state of Arizona received a C on a similar measurement developed by the Virginia-based organization that rates every state in the country, as well as 6,000 local
governments.

Michael Barnhart, President of the Sunshine Review, applauded Pima County on its
"excellent" score.

"By enhancing their website and increasing access to information, Pima County is
proactively championing government openness and transparency," Barnhart said in a
statement.

"We urge all of Arizona's city and county governments to put the necessary
resources into increasing their transparency like Pima County has done."

The County provides extensive information on its budgets so that citizens can evaluate
trends in spending. It provides information making it easy for them to contact elected
officials and administrative staff. It also includes regular audit information, tax
information and contracts.

"We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts to provide as much information as
possible to our constituents," said PimaCounty Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

"Open government builds trust, reduces confusion and ensures that citizens have the
tools they need to fully participate in democracy."

Huckelberry said the County will also continue to evaluate what is offered online as
technology advances and as the needs of the public evolve.

For more information, please visit http://sunshinereview.org/core/transparency/