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Residents press FOIA, transparency concerns at Windsor Locks selectmen meeting
Summary
Residents and emailed correspondence attached to meeting minutes raised concerns about access to public records and transparency in town finances; the board said FOIA requests will be attached to the minutes and the town attorney has been asked for opinions.
At the Feb. 17 Board of Selectmen meeting, residents and emailed correspondents urged clearer public records practices and more open communication about town finances.
Emails from Linda Palmer and Kurt Brace were noted on the record and attached to the meeting minutes, and First Selectman Jon Savino said the messages will be included in the official record. Palmer's email alleges repeated failures to respond to FOIA requests and states that the pattern of noncompliance "reflects a failure of leadership, oversight, and accountability," and that the conduct has been "systematic, unethical, and indicative of corruption." Brace asked for records and a legal explanation for how the town appropriated LOCIP funds for the Noden-Reed Barn and other projects without a Town Meeting vote, writing that "Residents shouldn't have to file complaints with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission just to get their questions answered."
Savino told attendees he forwarded Brace's FOI request to the town attorney for review and that copies of the referenced emails would be attached to the meeting minutes. No formal action or reply from the town attorney was recorded at the meeting.
The board did not adopt new FOIA procedures at the session; Savino responded to public input and reiterated that the town would continue to communicate about ongoing items. The town attorney's forthcoming opinion and any responsive records will determine next steps.
