FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
JULY 1975 - JULY 2000
By Mitchell W. Pearlman
Executive Director
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission was officially constituted on July 1, 1975, three months before the substantive rights conferred by the Freedom of Information Act became effective. Originally, the commission was comprised of three members. In 1977, the commission’s membership was expanded to five.
Since its inception, the commission has had a total of twenty-two extraordinary men and women who have served to date as commissioners. They receive no salary. They merely receive a modest stipend of fifty dollars (initially twenty-five dollars) and travel expenses for each day they attend commission hearings and meetings. Because of the volume and complexity of the agency’s work, commissioners spend many hours each month reading complaints, briefs, memoranda, draft decisions and other documents, in addition to the time spent at hearings and meetings. Consequently, the only meaningful reward commissioners receive is the self-satisfaction in knowing that they are serving the public in an important capacity by helping to assure that our democratic form of government is indeed open and accountable.
On the occasion of the commission’s twenty-fifth anniversary, I think it only fitting that a few words of tribute be paid to those few good citizens who put aside their careers, their politics, their personal feelings and their precious time to serve their state as Freedom of Information Commissioners. As the commission’s first (and to this point only) executive director, it has been my great fortune and privilege to have known each and every commission member to date. And I can unequivocally report that every one of them has contributed in a positive way to the work of the commission. Although I have not agreed with the commission on every issue, I feel confident that each commissioner has voted his or her conscience on each matter considered and that by doing so, they have brought honor to themselves and the commission.
What follows then is a short sketch of each past and current member of the Freedom of Information Commission. I have also included a listing of the commission’s past and current permanent staff.
Herbert Brucker was the commission’s first chairman and one of the three initial members of the commission appointed by Governor Ella Grasso. Prior to serving on the commission, Herb was the editorial page editor of The Hartford Courant. He had also been on the faculty of the Columbia University School of Journalism and, in fact, coined the term “Freedom of Information,” which was the title of a 1949 book he authored. Herb was a brilliant individual who set the intellectual tone for the commission and established many of its fundamental standards. He insisted that the commission conduct itself as the paradigm of openness. He saw the commission as an agency average people could come to for help without the need to hire a lawyer and without fear of intimidation by lawyers or bureaucrats. He insisted that the commission’s written and oral communication be in language easily understood by the average citizen and free of unnecessary “legalese.” To this day, the commission is still guided by Herb Brucker’s fundamental principles, although the courts have compelled the commission to write its decisions in a somewhat more traditional legal manner. Herb served as commissioner from 1975-1977 when he died.
Helen M. Loy was the commission’s second chair and also one of the three initial members of the commission appointed by Governor Grasso. Helen came to the commission with great experience in government. She had been involved in local government and served on a school board. She also worked in the office of the Secretary of the State and, in fact, ran for that office against Ella Grasso. Both women proved conclusively that you can be opponents in politics without having to be enemies, for they became good friends during and after the campaign. Governor Grasso not only named Helen to the commission and appointed her as its chair, but she continued to call on Helen time and again as an unofficial advisor throughout her term of office as Governor. During her time on the commission, Helen worked as Assistant to the President of the University of Hartford. It was said of Helen Loy that she never saw a public record that she thought ought to be kept secret, and, to a large extent, this was true. She believed passionately that democracy requires the greatest amount of public disclosure possible. And she brought this philosophy to the commission’s deliberations during her ten years on the commission. Helen served as commissioner from 1975-1985 when she died.
Judith A. Lahey was the commission’s third chair and also one of the three initial members of the commission appointed by Governor Grasso. Judy was trained as a lawyer and worked as a law librarian at the University of Connecticut School of Law. As the youngest and least experienced member of the commission when she was first appointed, she learned much from her more senior members. She learned quickly and well, however, and by the time she became chair, she was a true veteran, and ably carried on the legacy left by Herb Brucker and Helen Loy. She also passed along that legacy to the other members of the commission with whom she served and who followed in her footsteps. Judy served as commissioner from 1975-1986, when she resigned to take a job in the judicial department. She is one of two people who served as commissioner for eleven years.
Donald W. Friedman was first appointed to the commission by Governor Grasso to fill the unexpired portion of Herb Brucker’s term of office. Don joined the commission in its infancy and in the difficult circumstances of Herb’s death. However, he soon became the commission’s “work horse.” Don had recently retired from a career that included journalism and public relations for the University of Connecticut. Thus, he was free to hear many of the cases in the commission’s growing caseload. Don had a great understanding of how government bureaucracies worked and brought that knowledge to the commission’s deliberations. He remained a “work horse” for the commission throughout his tenure. Don served as commissioner from 1977-1985 when the Senate failed to reconfirm him. It was a measure of his personal integrity that he would not withdraw his name from consideration when informed that his nomination would not pass because some senators disapproved of several of his decisions. True to his oath, he stood by his convictions no matter the political consequences.
William J. Clew was appointed to the commission by Governor Grasso when it was expanded from three to five members in 1977. He came to the commission after a career in journalism and having retired as managing editor of The Hartford Courant. He loved performing the role of commissioner and hearing officer, which he did with great vigor and even-handedness until he became gravely ill. Bill served as commissioner from 1977-1981 when he died.
John E. Rogers was also appointed to the commission by Governor Grasso when it was expanded from three to five members in 1977. “Dr. Rogers,” by which he was commonly and respectfully known, was one of Connecticut’s great men. He was an African-American who worked his way up the chain of command of the United States Postal Service to become Postmaster of West Hartford. Before the term “role model” entered our vocabulary, he was a role model and mentor to generations of young people. Before Black History became a recognized academic discipline, John was a preeminent Black Historian. He was a great student of that subject and taught it at the collegiate level at the University of Hartford, where in recognition of his contributions to that discipline, as well as his humanitarianism, he was awarded an honorary doctorate. John brought his humanitarianism, wisdom and generosity to the commission, and made better human beings of everyone with whom he came in contact. He served as commissioner from 1977-1981 when he died after an extended illness.
Curtis M. Cofield III succeeded John Rogers on the commission in 1981, having been appointed by Governor William O’Neill. Curtis is an ordained minister and was the spiritual leader of one of the largest congregations in New Haven. He is a brilliant individual with a deeply refined sense of justice and superb judgment. He quickly got to the core of any dispute and had no tolerance for fools or obfuscators. Curtis was appointed commission chair in 1986 and was known for his talents as presiding officer at meetings where he conducted the agency’s business with both fairness and dispatch. He served as commissioner from 1981-1992 when he declined reappointment. Curtis is one of two people who served as commissioner for eleven years.
Robert J. Leeney succeeded Bill Clew in 1982, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill. Bob came to the commission after retiring as editor of the New Haven Register. He has continued his distinguished journalism career as a columnist for that paper. Bob has a great understanding of government, its responsibilities in a democratic society and the importance of Freedom of Information in such a society. He is a gifted writer and raconteur, and a noted historian and observer of the human condition. He brought all of these talents and abilities to bear as a member of the commission. Bob was a philosophical devotee of the Helen Loy school, believing that good government requires the greatest possible degree of public disclosure. He served as commissioner from 1982-1986 when he declined reappointment. He has remained active in FOI affairs, often writing on the subject in his weekly column and serving on the board of directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government, Inc.
Deane C. Avery succeeded Helen Loy in 1985, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill. Prior to his retirement, Deane was editor and co-publisher of the New London Day. He was an early supporter of Freedom of Information legislation in Connecticut and knew a great deal about it before serving as commissioner. He took to the role of commissioner and hearing officer like a duck takes to water. His experience as a journalist and community leader led him to have the greatest respect for both government officials and unempowered, every day citizens, and this showed not only in his decisions, but in the way he dealt with the parties appearing before him at commission hearings and meetings. His wry sense of humor and self-deprecation made him a popular commission member throughout his ten year tenure, during which he was another “work horse” commissioner. Deane is a man of extraordinary integrity and solid judgment. Even in the commission’s most politically-charged case, in which he served as hearing officer and commissioner, he never for a moment wavered from what he thought was right. He served as commissioner from 1985-1995 when newly elected Governor John Rowland declined to re-nominate him.
E. Bartlett Barnes succeeded Don Friedman in 1985, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill. Bart too had a distinguished journalism career, retiring as editor and publisher of the Bristol Press. He was among the first leaders in the effort to enact Freedom of Information laws in Connecticut and was a passionate supporter not only of the law, but of the principles it embodies. It was therefore only fitting that he serve as a member of the commission he helped to establish. Bart was another in a line of followers of the Helen Loy philosophy of working for the greatest possible disclosure to the public. Bart had an avuncular style and a ready smile that hid a “steel trap” mind and a toughness that showed itself only when necessary, as it sometimes was during commission hearings. As a commissioner, he was both fair and true to the spirit of the law. Even when Bart retired from the commission, he remained active in FOI affairs, continuing to serve on the boards of directors of the Connecticut Council for Freedom of Information and the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government, Inc. The commission has named its highest award for service in the cause of open and accountable government the “E. Bartlett Barnes Freedom of Information Award.” Bart served as commissioner from 1985-1989 when he declined reappointment.
Joan M. Fitch succeeded Bob Leeney in 1986, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill. Joan came to the commission with great experience in local government, having served on various boards and commissions and on the town council of her home town, where she had been the de facto mayor. She immediately dug into her new duties on the commission and soon became one of its most active members. She proved to be a thoughtful and inquisitive commissioner who applied a dose of both common sense and experience as a government insider in deciding cases. In any number of cases, she was heard to say, “I’ve been in similar situations and I know what goes on there.” And she did. Joan served as commissioner from 1986-1995 when she was not re-nominated by Governor Lowell Weicker.
Gloria Schaffer also came to the Commission in 1986, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill to succeed Judy Lahey. Gloria had been present at the birth of the commission in her capacity as Secretary of the State, and in that capacity was instrumental in the formative stages of the new agency. In fact, Gloria asked me, at that time a young lawyer on her staff, if I would volunteer to help the commission in its infancy when it had no funds for staff. I, as most people, could not say no to Gloria, even if I had been so inclined. Prior to serving on the commission, Gloria had served in local government, and had been elected to the state Senate before her election as Secretary of the State. She ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate before her appointment by President Carter to the Civil Aeronautics Board. In another prime example of opponents in the political arena holding each other in mutual respect rather than viewing each other as enemies, Governor Weicker, Gloria’s senatorial opponent, appointed her to the office of Commissioner of Consumer Protection. Gloria resigned from the commission in 1991 to accept that position. As a Freedom of Information Commissioner, Gloria brought a keen intellect and extraordinary experience to bear. It was hard for any party or lawyer to pull the wool over her eyes. She was an active participant in commission deliberations and, like her predecessor, Helen Loy, tried to maximize public disclosure whenever permitted.
Frederick E. Hennick first came to the commission in 1989, having been appointed by Governor O’Neill to succeed Bart Barnes. Fred was not re-nominated by Governor Weicker when Fred’s term expired in 1993. Fortunately, however, he returned to the commission in 1995 when he was appointed by Governor Rowland to succeed Ken Grube as both commissioner and chairman. Prior to his retirement, Fred was the publisher of the Naugatuck Daily News and a popular civic, community and business leader. As a commissioner, Fred was, and is, steady, reliable and fair. He brings great integrity and judgment to all the commission’s activities, and is well respected by his fellow commissioners, staff and the parties who appear before the commission. He has also been the most active of the commission chairs to date. He takes a strong interest in the commission’s management and was responsible for acquiring necessary resources and organization to bring the commission’s growing caseload under control by eliminating unacceptable backlogs. Fred’s current term expires in 2003.
Kenneth E. Grube succeeded Gloria Schaffer in 1991 and was appointed chairman the same year by Governor Weicker. Ken too came to the commission after a long career as a reporter, editorial writer and commentator, primarily with the New London Day. Unfortunately, Ken was ill during much of his tenure at the commission. Nonetheless, he brought great warmth and personality to his work and earned the admiration of the entire FOI community for his courage and spirit during a trying time in his life. Ken served as commissioner from 1991-1995 when he resigned because of ill health. He died shortly thereafter.
Carolle T. Andrews succeeded Curtis Cofield in 1992, having been appointed by Governor Weicker. She worked for a large insurance company and attended law school while serving on the commission. Even with these demands on her time, Carolle brought energy, a quick mind and sound judgment to her work on the commission. She did not hesitate to accept difficult cases or to express her opinion forcefully and with conviction. She was greatly respected by all her colleagues and by the entire commission staff. Carolle served as commissioner from 1992-1996 when her term expired and she did not seek reappointment.
Rosalind Berman succeeded Fred Hennick in 1993, having been appointed by Governor Weicker. Roz brought a wealth of experience in government to her work on the commission. She had served in local government in New Haven, including election to the Board of Aldermen. She also served a number of terms in the state House of Representatives. Roz truly understood how government worked in Connecticut at all levels, so she proved to be an outstanding hearing officer and commissioner. She was fair, patient (often to the point of sainthood), and always exercised good judgment. She was another “work horse” commissioner and worked very closely with commission staff, who universally held her in the highest esteem. As a commissioner, she often volunteered to participate in and chair many committees and projects, most notably the commission’s twentieth and twenty-fifth anniversary commemoration events. Roz served as commissioner from 1993-1997 when Governor Rowland declined to re-nominate her. To this day, Roz maintains her close friendship with commission staff and remains active in FOI affairs, serving on the board of directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government, Inc.
Milton Sorokin succeeded Joan Fitch in 1995, having been appointed on an interim basis by Governor Weicker. Milton was a prominent attorney who, along with his wife and law partner, Ethel Silver Sorokin, represented a number of news media clients in First Amendment and Freedom of Information cases. This experience led the Sorokins to establish the Center for First Amendment Rights. Although Milton served on the commission for less than a year (because Governor Rowland declined to nominate him for a full term), he immediately made an impact. He taught the legal staff much during his short tenure. He enjoyed the role of hearing officer, which he performed with great distinction, and quickly earned the respect of his colleagues on the commission. Unfortunately, Milton only served as a commissioner during 1995. He died after leaving office.
Andrew J. O’Keefe succeeded Joan Fitch in 1995 after the interim appointment of Milton Sorokin, having been nominated by Governor Rowland. Andy is a prominent attorney and adjunct law professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law. He has brought a truly first class legal mind to his work on the commission. His insightfulness and rigorous analysis have clearly made the commission’s deliberations and decisions better. As the senior commissioner aside from the chairman, Andy has presided at numerous commission meetings and other functions, which he conducts in a no nonsense, yet civil, style. He has a wry sense of humor and is particularly adept at explaining technical legal issues and rulings in language parties unrepresented by counsel can understand. He has been extremely supportive of me in my capacity as executive director and has been a mentor in my capacity as general counsel, for which I am deeply grateful. Andy has served as commissioner since 1995 and his current term expires in 2002.
Andre J. Thibault succeeded Deane Avery in 1995, having been appointed by Governor Rowland. Andy came to the commission in the midst of a career as a reporter, editor and commentator. He enjoyed his work on the commission and put aside his strong opinions to become a fair and impartial decision-maker. He resigned from the commission to accept a position out of state. Andy served as a commissioner from 1995-1996.
Vincent M. Russo succeeded Andy Thibault in 1996, having been appointed by Governor Rowland. Vince is an attorney and is active in local politics and government. He has a healthy distrust for the unaccountable exercise of government power. He is nonetheless fair and even-handed. He is also bright, quick-minded , and willing to dig into the nuances of cases. He works very closely with commission staff. Vince is a strong advocate for his position in every case and thereby compels his colleagues to think through their positions more rigorously. He has the courage to vocally dissent when his views differ from those of the majority of commissioners. Vince has served as commissioner since 1996 and his current term expires in 2003.
Sherman London succeeded Carolle Andrews in 1996, having been appointed by Governor Rowland. Sherman came to the commission after a distinguished journalism career as a reporter, editor and commentator, primarily with the Waterbury Republican-American. Since his appointment, Sherman has become another in a line of “work horse” commissioners. He has quickly mastered the law and the procedures under which the commission operates. He is smart, savvy and fair. He is studious in preparation and deliberative in exercising his judgment. Even simple typographical errors rarely get by him. He is highly respected by his colleagues and the commission staff, all of whom thoroughly enjoy working with him. Sherman has served as commissioner since 1996 and his current term expires in 2000.
Norma E. Riess succeeded Roz Berman in 1997, having been appointed by Governor Rowland. Norma came to the commission with a background of service to her church and community. She is also active in politics. Although membership on the commission was her first sojourn into government and particularly Freedom of Information, she has overcome an initial self-doubt to become an active and respected member of the commission. Norma works very diligently as a hearing officer and commissioner. She brings good judgment, common sense and fairness to these roles. In addition, she is a marvelous raconteur and entertains her colleagues and the commission staff with charming stories. She is also very helpful to me in my capacity as executive director, for which I am very grateful. In addition, Norma has volunteered to serve on various committees and projects, including the commission’s twenty-fifth anniversary commemoration event. Norma has served as commissioner since 1997 and her current term expires in 2001.
STAFF
Theresa Hopkins Allsop, attorney
Joan Andrews, attorney
Charlene Arnold, administrative support
Melanie Balfour, administrative support
Nancy Callahan, business services
Constance Chambers, attorney
Kathleen Costello, administrative support
Renée Daignault, business services
Gregory Daniels, Electronic Information Officer
Gloria Davis-Delancy, business services manager
Tina Frappier, administrative support
Tracie Gardiner, attorney
Ann Gimmartino, administrative support
Karen Haggett, administrative support
Kweku Hanson, attorney
Regina Hopkins-Griggs, attorney
Barbara Housen, attorney
Mary Jo Jolicouer, administrative support
Elizabeth Leifert, administrative support
Albert Lenge, attorney
Clifton Leonhardt, attorney, litigation manager
Susan Liemer, attorney
Doris Luetjen, administrative support
Catherine Hostetter Lynch, administrative support
Hilde Mayranen, administrative support
Colleen Murphy, Managing Director and Associate General Counsel
Mitchell Pearlman, Executive Director and General Counsel
Victor Perpetua, attorney
Pamela Phillips, computers
Debra Rembowski, administrative support
David Rubin, attorney
Mary Schwind, attorney, administrative adjudication manager
Laura Shactman, attorney
Kathleen Skomro, business services
Marion Sponzo, administrative support
Louis Tapagna, administrative support
Dolores Tarnowski, administrative support
Eric Turner, public education manager
Catherine Wassel-Nasto, attorney
Tom Wright, administrative adjudication manager