Edward Peruta
Regular Member
FIREARM DEALERS EMAIL ADDRESSES
I am here today on another case where DESPP has unreasonably delayed and denied promptaccess to inspect public records, apattern and practice that is evidenced by the need to file numerous complaints against the agency.
This request for prompt access began in July of 2013, over one year ago.
If permitted to ask questions, and present written evidence, I will paint a very clear picture of exactly what happened since my first request in July of last year.
The case I plan on presenting today is best explained by simply connecting the dots, or in this case the dates.
The public record provides evidence that DESPP on October 16th 2013, acknowledged the fact that they were and are "MANDATED" to release the requested information as stated in an email solicitation to Connecticut Firearm Dealers dated October 16, 2013.
DESPP will I'm sure, present the usual opening sob story consisting of the size of their department, the number of units and employees within DESPP, the volume of FOI requests received annually, the limited number of personnel to handle FOI requests and the fact that I make numerous requests.
Any excuses, (SOB STORIES), offered by DESPP at this hearing if valid, should be made to the legislature and not to the FOIC.
The state of Connecticut claims to have had a surplus of 121 million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, and if true, had and has the financial resources to assign additional personnel to handle FOI requests made to DESPP in a prompt and timely manner.
The need to obtain this information promptly, arose as part of a client's (CT CARRYINC.) desire to obtain and possess information with which to contact firearm dealers regarding existing and proposed firearm issues and legislation.
The intent was to request, obtain and have the email addresses PRIOR to the 2014 legislative session which has now come and gone.
Inaddition to FOI requests made exclusively for American News and InformationServices Inc., American News and Information Services also acts as an agent and obtains INFORMATION for the office of Attorney Rachel M. Baird and a variety ofother clients who desire to remain anonymous.
Due to the post Newtown social and political atmosphere in Connecticut, information related to all aspects of firearms is being requested to better understand the evolving issues of Federal and State Constitutional rights as they relate to firearms.
Upon learning that DESPP was soliciting and obtaining email addresses from firearm dealers in Connecticut, our client as well as American News desired to have the same information for identifying and contacting firearm dealers in a cost effective manner.
The current issue began one year ago on July 26th 2013 with a written email request for PROPMT ACCESS to inspect the requested public records.
The record will show that American News and Information Services Inc. was willing to give DESPP more than enough time to review the request and provide access to inspect the requested records.
Maximum civil penalties are requested against all named individuals who failed top rovide prompt access and denied the ability to inspect the requested records as MANDATED by the law.
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