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CT's FOI law turns 50. Let's shoot for 100

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CT's FOI law turns 50. Let's shoot for 100


It has been reported that the Mexican government plans to shut down that nation’s highly respected National Institute for Access to Information (INAI), the country’s Freedom of Information (FOI) agency. The responsibility for guaranteeing access to government information will then presumably fall to government departments subject to presidential control. In other words, a case of the proverbial fox guarding the henhouse.

Michell Pearlman

INAI was modeled in significant part on the Connecticut’s FOI Commission. Mexico studied the Connecticut law and its commission and learned from our successes and failures.

Unfortunately what Mexico is now experiencing with the likely closing of INAI has been happening, to one degree or another, in many countries throughout the world – including supposedly democratic ones. The United States has not been immune to this threat. Nor has Connecticut.

For example, it often takes our federal government (which has no independent FOI enforcement agency) years to process even a simple request for information and in many cases government agencies deny requests with questionable claims of exemptions. The only option then for a disappointed requester is to go to the expense of filing a lawsuit, which in itself can take years to resolve. And in Connecticut, numerous unnecessary exemptions have been added to its FOI Act and there have been several notable attempts to curtail the FOI Commission’s independence and funding.

Connecticut’s FOI Act turns 50 in 2025. The law was enacted in 1975 during the post-Watergate reform era. Over time, it too has been weakened. But remarkably, it has largely endured thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the commission and its staff, supporting nonprofit organizations, such as the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information, and, importantly, the many Connecticut citizens who rely on the commission to administer and enforce the FOI law.

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That is why the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of FOI in Connecticut is so significant: it has survived substantially intact for half a century where in many other places similar laws have not. The law still remains a vital – and sometimes the only – tool for citizens and the press to uncover government inefficiency, waste and corruption.

But laws and institutions that promote government transparency and accountability require constant vigilance. The Connecticut FOI experience over the past 50 years proves that such vigilance does indeed work.

We should be justifiably proud that Connecticut has for 50 years maintained an effective and credible FOI law that provides its citizens with meaningful government oversight and accountability. The fact that the law has survived to its golden anniversary is a tremendous achievement.

But we can only hope to move that record forward for another 50 years or more with continued vigilance. And by doing so, we can keep Connecticut as a beacon of open government for the entire world well into the future.

Pearlman was formerly the executive director of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and the Connecticut Council on Freedom of information.

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CT Man — Father Of 3 Young Kids — Killed In DC Plane Crash

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CT Man — Father Of 3 Young Kids — Killed In DC Plane Crash


SALEM, CT — Connecticut is mourning the death of Casey Crafton, of Salem, who was killed when an American Airlines passenger flight and a military helicopter crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night, according to a state official.

State Sen. Martha Marx announced on social media that Crafton was killed in the tragedy.

“The airline tragedy in Washington, D.C., last night has deeply impacted our Salem community. Casey Crafton—husband of Rachel and father to their three sons—was among the passengers on the American Airlines flight from Kansas that went down in the Potomac River. According to media reports and government sources, there are no survivors,” Marx wrote. “My heart goes out to the Crafton-Gadbois family during this unimaginable time. I ask our community to keep them in your prayers as they navigate this profound loss.”

The Salem CT Little League wrote “Our small town is heartbroken by a devastating tragedy involving one of our beloved Little League members. The Crafton family, deeply involved in all things Salem, has suffered an unimaginable loss. With heavy hearts, we share the news that Casey Crafton tragically passed away in the horrific airline crash in Washington DC. Please keep his family close to your hearts and in your prayers during this difficult time.”

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The community has created a Meal Train page for the family, and more than $23,000 has been raised as of Thursday night. (You can view the page here).

A total of 67 people died in the crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. More than 40 bodies have been removed from the water as of late Thursday afternoon, CNN reported.

The American Airlines passenger flight and a UH-60 Black Hawk, with a crew of three, collided about 8:48 p.m. Wednesday night in clear weather conditions.


Earlier on Thursday, it was revealed that two former Russian figure skating stars from the 1990s who once worked at a Simsbury skating center and may have lived in the town were on board.

Both Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, Russian nationals who moved to Simsbury in the 1990s, are presumed dead after the crash.

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The husband-and-wife team were champion pairs skaters in the 1990s, competing in both the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, and the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

They failed to medal in the Olympics, but the couple did earn a bronze medal in the 1993 World Figure Skating Championships and won gold in the 1994 World Championships, the second-most prestigious competition behind the Olympics.

According to the Dec. 21, 2007 article on NewEngland.com, the couple turned professional in 1998 and, eventually, settled down in Simsbury to work at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in their new hometown.

Constructed in the mid-1990s, the ISCC put Simsbury on the map when 1994 Olympic gold medalist Oksana Baiul moved to Connecticut and trained there.

Patch editors Deb Belt and Michael Lemanski contributed to this story.

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Merrimack Gains Connecticut Class L State Finalist Julia Tejeda For 2025

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Merrimack Gains Connecticut Class L State Finalist Julia Tejeda For 2025


Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Versatile swimmer Julia Tejeda has decided to continue her swimming career at Division 1 Merrimack College in Massachusetts, starting in the fall of 2025. Currently a senior at Cheshire High School in Connecticut, Tejeda trains with the Cheshire YMCA Sea Dog Swim Club.

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career next fall at Merrimack College! Thank you to all my friends, family, and coaches for all the support you have given me over the last 4 years! Go Warriors!”

Tejeda achieved several lifetime bests at the 2024 Connecticut Senior Champs (SCY) in March. She placed 6th in the 1650 free (17:51.98), and her 1000 split (10:46.50) remains her fastest 1000 free time. She placed 10th in the 200 back (2:08.04), 13th in both the 200 IM (2:11.99) and 400 IM (4:40.42), and set a best time in the 100 back (1:00.34) during the 400 medley relay. Tejeda also achieved a personal best in the 200 fly (2:13.50 in prelims), and finished 19th in finals (2:15.55).

Tejeda was a finalist at the 2024 CIAC Class L Championship (SCY) in November, placing 9th in the 200 free (1:58.14) and 6th in the 500 free (5:16.98). Her 200 free time was a personal best. In Connecticut, schools are categorized based on enrollment, with Class L representing the second-largest group, behind Class LL.

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Fast forward a week, and Tejeda competed at the CIAC State Open Championship (SCY), where she achieved a personal best in the 200 free (1:58.13), placing 20th, and a season best in the 500 free (5:15.52), placing 12th. The previous year at the meet, Tejeda set her lifetime best in the 500 free with a time of 5:13.64, finishing 11th.

Top SCY Times

  • 500 Free – 5:13.64
  • 1000 Free – 10:46.50
  • 1650 – 17:51.98
  • 200 back – 2:08.04
  • 200 IM – 2:11.99
  • 400 IM – 4:40.42

Merrimack placed 8th out of nine teams at the 2024 Northeast Conference Championships for women, matching their performance from the previous season. Tejeda could make a significant impact upon her arrival, as her fastest times in the 200 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM would have been the best for Merrimack last season. Her 200 back time would have qualified her for the ‘C’ final at last year’s NEC Championship,s as would her 200 IM, while her 400 IM time would have earned a spot in the ‘B’ final.

Additionally, Tejeda would have been the second-fastest on the team last season in the 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free, and 200 fly. The top distance swimmer last season was junior Neva Sa, who held times of 5:05.25 in the 500, 10:41.41 in the 1000, and 17:42.32 in the mile.

Tejeda’s older sister, Alexa, also swam for Merrimack from 2018 to 2022. Now, Tejeda will follow in her footsteps and join Abby Condon and Liz Vursta as part of the 2025 recruiting class. Vursta holds strong times in the 500 free (5:14.21) and 200 back (2:09.50) as well.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

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Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

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Lawmakers looking to reverse Connecticut's deadly traffic numbers

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Lawmakers looking to reverse Connecticut's deadly traffic numbers


State lawmakers introduced several proposals Wednesday to improve road safety as the rate of traffic-related deaths in Connecticut shows no signs of slowing down.

According to data from the University of Connecticut, 20 people have died in traffic crashes in Connecticut in 2025 through Jan. 19.

“We all need to come together here in Connecticut and make the decision that 350 people year dying on our roads is not OK,” said Transport Hartford Program Director Jay Stange, who attended Wendesday’s Transportation Committee hearing.

The Committee introduced several bills, including a proposal to lower the blood-alcohol-content (BAC) limit from .08 to .05.

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Utah is the only state in the country with a limit that low.

“We just don’t want people to get behind the wheel of a car after using drugs or alcohol,” said Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), a committee co-chair.

The bill also looks to build upon a current state pilot program training police to use roadside blood tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of cannabis.

Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) said the state has a problem with impaired driving.

“It’s not just BAC, it’s about impairment and a culture of permissiveness, in my mind, that is really enhancing – increasing the danger on our roadways,” Hwang said.

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Such proposals have been met with opposition in the past, especially lowering the BAC limit. Some residents have said the bill goes too far and unfairly targets drivers who feel they’re not to impaired to drive.

Hwang agreed the process is about striking a balance.

Lawmakers are also looking at other measures, including a bill that would increase the penalties for drivers who don’t abide by the Move Over Law.

Drivers are required to change lanes or slow down whenever police, Department of Transportation, or other vehicles are stopped along the side of the road.

Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and DOT worker Andrew DiDomenico were struck in killed in separate incidents last year.

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“So folks know that if there’s road work going on, that they should move over, that they should slow down,” Cohen said, adding the bill also calls for more public education.

Additionally, lawmakers are also talking with police departments about how to increase enforcement of traffic laws.

Stange supports the bills. He also said he wants the state to continue supporting DOT’s work redesigning roads in ways that force drivers to slow down.

“The reality is that you don’t drive at the speed that’s posted on the side of road, you drive the speed the road allows you to drive,” he said.

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