The meeting was by teleconference.
Present: Mike Savino, Matt Kauffman, Mitch Pearlman, Tom Scheffey, Gary Gold, Jeff Daniels, Paula Pearlman, George Lombardi, Michele Jacklin, Liz Gemski, Chris Powell, Mary Connolly
Treasurer’s report: Lombardi reported a balance of $3,088.35.
Annual meeting: There was discussion of the planned June 17 annual meeting and awards luncheon. There was agreement the annual meeting as planned in June will be canceled. The shutdown of Connecticut due to the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to move forward on it. The selection of annual award winners also would be difficult because other issues have been overtaken by the emergency and the state legislature has not been meeting.
Savino suggested CCFOI discuss the creation of an award similar to the SPJ Black Hole Award that highlights a person or organization that blatantly works against government transparency.
Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group: Governor Lamont has appointed a panel of health, business, workforce and education specialists. Once again, Lamont is following a pattern of creating outside groups to work on public business without being subject to the state FOI Act. It was agreed Savino will draft a letter on the issue to be sent to Lamont.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting will be May 20 at noon.