The meeting was via Zoom.
Present: Mike Savino, Michele Jacklin, Mary Connolly, Jeff Daniels, Tom Scheffey, Mitch Pearlman, Jacqueline Smith, Gary Gold, Colleen Murphy, Liz Gemski, Chris Powell, Paula Pearlman.
The minutes of the Jan. 19, 2022 meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Kim Phillips could not attend but submitted her monthly report. The balance is $17,110.45.
Legislative report: Gemski reported the legislature is still operating virtually. Legislators are generally not there for meetings. Leaders on both sides have had press conferences to announce their agendas, but nothing touching on FOI issues. There is discussion of legislation making private cemetery associations subject to FOI, based on the receipt of any public funds, after an FOI decision that found there must be a public connection for FOI to apply.
Algorithmic accountability: There was discussion of publicizing the Yale report and expanding the reach of algorithmic accountability to the municipal level. Yale students have put together background information for local media organizations to assist in inquiries about the use of algorithms in local government.
Reminder: CFOG’s Walter Cronkite Award Dinner honoring Judy Woodruff is April 7. The final day to register is Friday, March 18. Tickets cost $125. Sign up at www.ctfog.org.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting will be March 16 at noon, via Zoom.