Dedicated to opening up government transparency in Massachusetts
Operating as usual
https://apple.news/Ax4leVARgRG-j0CylId78Kg
The Freedom of Information Act helps Americans learn what their government is up to. One California company turned it into a moneymaker–and became an unlikely defender of the public’s right to know.
Malden Public Schools has failed to respond to OML records requests filed 9/2/2022. The complaint has been filed. All records for this issue can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ny724z346wv4t0q/AAB_A08QNYRhXQts1UUjPaa-a?dl=0
This is but the latest example of problems and what again appears to be NRT Bus Company.
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/lynn-school-bus-arrives-home-2-hours-late/
Lynn's contracts with NRT can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2yg3ejw6nfs1s8n/AAAAaChU9NwPlkvFQpIz6vt0a?dl=0
Bruce Friedman (OpenCommonwealth's Founder) proceeds Pro Se in three lawsuits filed today in Suffolk Superior Court for failure to provide public records. DALA/BSEA, DCF and UMass Boston.
All details can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6wa0ar05922usla/AAAxCXmoOPr5Q1Uot1bVQQ2ua?dl=0
Does Ligia Noriega-Murphy have a doctoral level degree or not?
Follow the conversations here:
https://www.facebook.com/sharynforschoolcommittee/posts/pfbid0P6v5ssKveDJUco6txpAkEDQAdXfinEswadWgGooUYKXNHZpS1BkDC87q5Wec12wQl?notif_id=1662130068274840¬if_t=comment_mention&ref=notif
The Globe article from earlier this year is here:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/16/metro/malden-superintendents-education-credentials-called-into-question/?fbclid=IwAR0z-KojQkIAf4ymetLHgZqm8dqpIpkeyxzWqZ0KnFbVcd8U4HFDrsrcrIo
Exciting week for many as our community prepares for BACK to SCHOOL week 🏫 🍎 ✏️ 📚
Malden PD recommends following all driving guidelines around school areas & slowing down at all school zones. It’s important to remind children to look twice before crossing & remind family & friends to stop when a bus extends their Stop sign for loading and unloading children.
OpenCommonwealth is seeking Massachusetts attorneys who are interested and capable of pursuing public records lawsuits to compel the production of requested records complimented with SPR determinations requiring said production.
Photos from Malden News Network's post
Dear Mr. Fenlon:
I find the University has not met its burden to demonstrate that its June 7, 2022 response was in compliance with G. L. c. 66, § 10(b). Accordingly, the University may not charge a fee for public records under G. L. c. 66, § 10(e).
Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide the requestor with a response to the request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office...
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y7dbgwhqvxevjxp/AACEL1P0BrUuO9c9W5gj0HDCa?dl=0
Photos from Malden News Network's post
In October of 2021, a public records request was made upon the BSEA. The Bureau has refused to provide the records, despite being Ordered to provide them by the Secretary of Public Records (SPR), multiple times. Will the SPR refer the BSEA to the Attorney General for prosecution as provided by law?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wo2h20zkvtnetvl/AACpvT42ThJo56ndVoL5GGIBa?dl=0
In October of 2021, a public records request was made upon the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The Department has refused to provide the records, despite being Ordered to provide them by the Secretary of Public Records (SPR), multiple times. Will the SPR refer DCF to the Attorney General for prosecution as provided by law?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qhimzr99eqndfsp/AAD0-2mQt8zXMmC-kdAKxz0ka?dl=0
https://andrewqmr.substack.com/p/galvin-appoints-new-supervisor-of
Manza Arthur will serve as the commonwealth’s new public records watchdog
UMASS Boston Petition for Enforcement and Second Orders: #4 on the same issues and records
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y7dbgwhqvxevjxp/AACEL1P0BrUuO9c9W5gj0HDCa?dl=0
DALA/BSEA Petition for Enforcement and Second Orders: #4 on the same issues and records
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5j9l9cb4z7uqh9j/AAD4LdUrpFws-8fc-S4qAD5ra?dl=0
TO: Matthew Fenlon - Vice Chancellor UMass Boston
Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide the requester with a response to their request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ifurwibezy872gd/AAD8d8GqjdtWWC1VVXdmN_I4a?dl=0
TO: Ed McGrath - Chief Magistrate DALA & BSEA
Accordingly, I find the Division must provide an estimated date as to when it expects to complete its review and provide the requested records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10(a) (records must be provided without unreasonable delay).
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tafh2xdjjw89kzj/spr221590.pdf?dl=0
![To: DESE:[T]he Department must explain how the above cited communications constitute attorney-client privileged communic...](https://img4.govserv.org/077/195/349032090771957.jpg)
To: DESE:
[T]he Department must explain how the above cited communications constitute attorney-client privileged communications pursuant to Suffolk. Particularly, the Department must clarify whether the privilege to the communications has been waived.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sqjsi8xqt05qgyg/AAB0D2Qc14VyPvdwgCI4-k9Wa?dl=0
The Massachusetts AGO releases referrals from SPR per OpenCommonwealth's Public Records Request.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ift314tzk3b1xbo/AACzVEAIlOicN29mThPtHBIZa?dl=0
Dear Attorney General Healey:
Pursuant to G. L. c. 66, § 10A(b), I am hereby notifying you of the failure of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (School/MVRCS) to comply with administrative orders.
WOW!
What does this mean for PRR/SPR actions in the Commonwealth?
Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin has appointed attorney Manza Arthur as supervisor of public records.
SPR 22/1593
TO: Edward McGrath, Esq.
"Accordingly, the Division is ordered to provide the requestor with a response to the request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days."
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou2826or90ro403/AAACiwNdWCwSfYNCdnXKu-mIa?dl=0
SPR 22/1608
TO: Edward McGrath, Esq.
"Accordingly, the Division is ordered to provide the requestor with a response to the request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days."
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou2826or90ro403/AAACiwNdWCwSfYNCdnXKu-mIa?dl=0
SPR 22/1559
Hey :
"Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide the requestor with a response to the request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days."
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lb6sfev6pio4tsr/AAA8o0oUxdN28H0_lhLffOdOa?dl=0
UMass Boston
Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide the requestor with a response to the request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days.
OpenCommonwealth updates OSEP on complaint filed April 1, 2022. If you weren't mad before; you may be mad now...
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ssairrygp3rjs92/AAAullR5g05cELF1VAzFiUpFa?dl=0
DESE Responds:
Any and all electronic messages, mail and or text messages which include the following phrase: “bureau of special education appeals advisory council” or in any way reference or regard G.L. c. 71B, § 2A(e)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kofkq84g6lb7dzb/AACsoNioaj8fer8AvgooK-NAa?dl=0
To Massachusetts AGO:
Greetings:
This is a formal public records request under M.G.L c66 section 10:
Please provide the following for the date range January 1,2019 through July 9, 2022:
Any and all responsive records and/or documents including, but not limited to electronic mail, text
messages and or voice mail messages where the Secretary of Public Records of the Commonwealth
of MassachuseAs (or her designate) has no8fied the AAorney General of MassachuseAs Office (or
her designate) for any enforcement ac8on as prescribed in G. L. c. 66, Åò 10A(b).
$13,332,291.00 for public records? Well, that is one way to try and hide the records from public view. Is making a mockery of the system the best approach?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/myuin9s7ab0bo3e/AAACgSHEmhhsTwj3ZMTyUu-fa?dl=0
UMass Boston - Wherefore, OpenCommonwealth.org hereby petitions the SPR to find and specifically Order the RAO to provide all responsive records to the May 18th, 2022 requests (two separate and distinct requests) without delay as the RAO continues to withhold responsive records and without charge as the RAO has failed to provide any timely provide a written, itemized, good faith estimate of any fees that may be charged as required by G. L. c. 66, § l0(b)(viii); see also 950 C.M.R. 32.07(2)(a)-(l).
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ugr85f29q06rx1g/AAB-Yao-7y3_r4usiaGci3Vsa?dl=0
The cowardly response:
"After considering your complaint, I will not refer this matter to the Attorney General’s Office for an investigation nor will I suspend Director Erlichman. Director Erlichman did not engage in ex parte communications". "I find no merit in your complaint.
Ed McGrath
Edward B. McGrath
Chief Administrative Magistrate
Division of Administrative Law Appeals
14 Summer Street, 4th Floor
Malden, MA 02148
(781)397-4710
Fax(781)397-4720"
The evidence is CLEAR: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a5cyvgbc72ipgbx/2022-06-14%20BSEA%20Texts%20with%20MHTL%20-%20.pdf?dl=0
All documents can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/du36tqqpxj21kse/AABRqGlL_CrezBHV1mAFrcz0a?dl=0
TO: Matt Fenlon & UMASS Boston
From: Massachusetts Secretary of Public Records
"Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide Commonwealth Transparency with a response in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law, and its Regulations within 10 business days."
AGAIN...
Will the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) ever discipline attorneys for their illegal activities BEFORE someone else does all the work?
https://twitter.com/dmanews1/status/1540306036632047617?s=21&t=3ZwuYdTa_FUxY0m3qpG91Q
“TODAY @ 11am the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference announcing the arrest of a Somerville attorney for the alleged attempted bribery of a local police chief in order to secure local approval for a ma*****na dispensary.”
https://www.logikcull.com/blog/state-open-records-heat-map
When it comes to public records requests, which states excel at complying with the law? Which put up barriers to access? And which ones ignore you altogether? We tested all 50 states to find out.
DALA/BSEA releases more responsive text messages, SPR appeal is still pending.
"Pursuant to the determination dated May 31, 2022 and our response dated June 14, 2022, please be advised that we have completed the search of Bureau of Special Education (BSEA)
employees text messages to or from past and current employees of Murphy Hesse, Toomey and Lehane, lip (A.K.A. MHTL).
Attached are two additional texts.
Despite being notified of the opening of these appeals and communication from a member of the Public Records Division staff, it is not clear that a response has been provided.
Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide Commonwealth Transparency with a response...
DESE provides records confirming that Superintendent Ligia Noriega-Murphy has never provided DESE any evidence of, communications regarding, or documentation of a doctorate.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8el5gj5qoys25e8/Jreis%20redacted%20Ligia%20Beatriz%20Noriega%20licensure%20Docs%5B51%5D.pdf?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b86jcryvo94wacw/AADWAZY3B-KFGiregBMi8Qmda?dl=0
https://apple.news/A6TTn5DkyS1WcZC3FVt8AUw
Some of the records relating to the Robb Elementary School shooting could be “highly embarrassing,” involve “emotional/mental distress,” and are “not of legitimate concern to the public,” the lawyers argued.
Mystic Valley Regional Charter School has again refused to follow the Orders of the Secretary of Public Records. Another example of this school teaching by example, and it's a bad example.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8a6lnpge937rogx/AABupt0ZDI27942rrvqpSJz3a?dl=0
.fenlon.3 and UMass-Boston, do you feel that public records are a game, a joke?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j63msxqzh6t76l6/AAC3BeRumZdRYyt09CH6TofYa?dl=0
For those interested, this discussion is in at least per about the public records acquired and released by from the BSEA/DALA regarding communications between MHTL and the BSEA...
Another appeal is apparently necessary to extract the public records from the BSEA/DALA regarding the text messages between the BSEA and MHTL. See all the documents here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou2826or90ro403/AAACiwNdWCwSfYNCdnXKu-mIa?dl=0
Attention:
Matthew Fenlon
Assistant Chancellor for University Relations
University of Massachusetts – Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Conclusion:
With respect to the University’s fee estimate for Commonwealth Transparency’s May 17th request, the University must clarify whether its May 18th and subsequent responses met the requirements of G.L. c. 66, § 10(e).
With respect to Commonwealth Transparency’s June 3rd request, the University must clarify whether it possesses responsive documents.
Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide Commonwealth Transparency with a response to the requests, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at [email protected].
All documents can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j63msxqzh6t76l6/AAC3BeRumZdRYyt09CH6TofYa?dl=0
Please, decide for yourselves, is MHTL too close, informal and personal with the BSEA...
Here you will find first (1 of 10 BSEA employees cell phone text messages with MHTL attorneys and staff). These messages appear to be from Reece Erlichman, the Director of the BSEA.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vzja0fbg2y6bftv/AABHRBwFrV-m3Fqc24wUa_9wa?dl=0
When all else fails, lets try and charge $100,000.00 for public records to keep them out of the public's view...
(The THIRD Appeal was filed tonight)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vj05fbty5cawn7a/6-9-22%20Re-Appeal%20SPR%201148%20%26%20SPR%201149.pdf?dl=0
Hello, MVRCS...
Accordingly, the School is again ordered to provide the requestors with responses for each of the requests described above in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within five business days.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1weyez6mldub66d/spr221015%20spr221016%20spr221080%202nd%20Order.pdf?dl=0
8 Marvin Street
Malden, MA
02148
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