Afton Town Administrator Violet Sanderson has received the Wyoming Press Association’s September Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government, recognizing her commitment to transparency, accountability and public access to local government.
The monthly award is part of the Wyoming Press Association’s statewide “Keeping the Republic” initiative, which recognizes public officials and government entities that demonstrate exceptional openness and respect for the public’s right to know.
Sanderson said the honor reflects the work of Afton’s Town Council and staff as much as her own.
“I am truly honored to receive the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government from the Wyoming Press Association,” Sanderson said. “Transparency in local government is something I care deeply about, and I hope our residents know that the Town of Afton makes every effort to be open and transparent about the work we do, the decisions we make, and how we serve our community.”
She said local government is closest to residents and that citizens should be able to understand how decisions are made, how tax dollars are spent, ask questions and take part in the process.
“Being open about our work even when the issues are difficult is an important part of maintaining the public’s trust,” Sanderson said.
Wyoming Association of Municipalities Executive Director Ashley Harpstreith said Sanderson has earned respect both in Afton and among municipal leaders across the state.
“Violet Sanderson is quite simply the standard for what public service looks like in Wyoming,” Harpstreith said. “That kind of trust is not given; it is built over years of showing up with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the people she serves.”
Wyoming Press Association President Joshua Wood said public trust depends on giving residents the information they need to understand and participate in their government.
“Transparency should never be viewed simply as something government is required to provide,” Wood said. “It is an essential part of good government.”
Sanderson said open government requires a shared commitment from elected officials and public employees.
“Transparency is not the work of one person,” she said. “It takes elected officials and employees who believe in communicating openly, providing information, answering questions, and making the public’s business accessible to the people we serve.”
The Benjamin Franklin Award recognizes one recipient each month during 2026. The Wyoming Press Association said the program aims to highlight public servants who go beyond minimum public-records and open-meetings requirements to promote informed citizens, meaningful public participation, and trust in local government.
