Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, March 18, 2015
The meeting was at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.
Present: Jim Smith, Gary Gold, Mitch Pearlman, George Lombardi, Colleen Murphy, Mary Connolly, Tom Scheffey, Jeff Daniels, Zach Janowski, Michele Jacklin, Dick Ahles, Chris VanDeHoef, Paula Pearlman.
The minutes of the Feb. 18, 2015 meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Lombardi reported we collected $5,500 in dues over the past month. We need another $4,000-$5,000 to balance the books this year. As of March 17, 2015, our balance is $15,559.03.
An updated list of those who paid dues was distributed. The list included Connecticut Law Tribune, Digital First Media, Lakeville Journal, Meriden Record-Journal, The Day of New London, WQUN and WTNH.
Legislative report: VanDeHoef announced he is leaving us. He has accepted a job as head of government relations for TicketNetwork. The board thanked him for his work and gave him a round of applause.
VanDeHoef updated the status of CCFOI issues before the legislature. He said the governor’s office is not supporting our effort to allow the release of historical records, such as mental health records for Civil War veterans.
Proposals to respond to a Supreme Court ruling on the release of arrest records are still being discussed and VanDeHoef said it’s not clear if anything will be done. Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Kane says he is working on his own proposal. The court ruled current law doesn’t require the release of more than basic information on arrests.
Efforts to bring the University of Connecticut Foundation under the FOI Act continue. UConn is opposed, but there is legislator interest in doing something.
Anniversary: There was discussion of how to mark the 60th anniversary of CCFOI and the 40th anniversary of the FOI Act in Connecticut. Suggestions should be sent to Jim Smith.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting will be April 15, 2015 at noon at Wood-n-Tap.