by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff writer
A delegation from Iraq is visiting Jacksonville to learn about government.
The group spent most of Wednesday discussing transparency policy with City Ethics Officer Carla Miller, Inspector General Pam Markham, City Council Director Cheryl Brown, Jon Phillips of the Office of General Counsel, Daily Record and Florida Times-Union staff and citizens’ groups.
The U.S. State Department brought the delegation from Iraq to Jacksonville for the department’s “Transparency in Government II” program.
The program is designed to:
• Introduce participants to the concept and principles of transparency in government as they operate in the American context.
• Develop participants’ understanding of U.S. federalism and how constitutional principles, such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law are engaged to support transparency in government.
• Acquaint participants with tools and strategies used to prevent, expose and penalize corruption in the public and private sectors.
• Demonstrate how individuals, civil society entities and the media inform and educate policymakers and the public to foster more ethical, accountable and responsive government.
The U.S. embassy in Iraq identified the emerging leaders to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program.
The Jacksonville visit will include stops at the Supervisor of Elections Office and Jacksonville Community Council Inc., as well as the inauguration ceremony Friday for Mayor-elect Alvin Brown.
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