Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, Nov. 16, 2016
The meeting was at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.
Present: Dan Klau, Zach Janowski, Paula Pearlman, Chris Powell, Mitch Pearlman, Michele Jacklin, Jeff Daniels, Mike Savino, Mary Connolly, Dana Whalen, Tom Scheffey, Gary Gold.
The minutes of the Oct. 19, 2016 meeting were accepted.
There was no treasurer’s report.
FOI pledge: There was discussion of the pledge. It was distributed late in the election season and the number of candidates who signed was less than hoped. The work to obtain signed pledges will continue.
Legislative report: Daniels reported that given the state’s budget problems there will be limited legislative interest in addressing other issues, including CCFOI’s proposals on FOI issues. He said CCFOI must work to keep the FOI Commission financially viable through the budget process. “Otherwise,” he said, “what’s the point of what we do.”
There was discussion of reaching out to more non-governmental organizations that are natural allies to create more support for government transparency issues.
New business: Daniels proposed CCFOI make an effort to recruit a more diverse board, especially younger members who are working journalists. There was agreement this is a good idea but it would be difficult for working journalists to take two hours from their day to come to Hartford for our monthly meeting. There was discussion of seeking their participation in other ways.
Looking ahead: A change of schedule and time for the December meeting because of the holidays. The meeting will be moved up to the second Wednesday of the month on Dec. 14 at 12:15 p.m. at Wood-n-Tap.