Paul F. Zerola, Esq. v. Department of Early Education and Care (SPR 20221586)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records July 22, 2022 SPR22/1586 Robert P. Orthman, Esq. Primary Records Access Officer Department of Early Education and Care 50 Milk Street, 14th Floor Boston, MA 02109-5002 Dear Attorney Orthman: I have received the petition of Attorney Paul F. Zerola, of Zerola & Associates, P.C., appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Early Education and Care (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On June 10, 2022, Attorney Zerola requested 15 categories of records concerning an [identified incident]. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Attorney Zerola petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR22/1586, was opened as a result. Based upon a conversation between a Public Records Division staff member and a representative of the Department, it is my understanding that the Department intends on providing a subsequent response to Attorney Zerola’s request. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Attorney Zerola with a response to his request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Attorney Zerola may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Paul F. Zerola, Esq. One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us