Grace Ferguson v. New Bedford, City of - Clerk's Office (SPR 20221707)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 9, 2022 SPR22/1707 Dennis Farias City Clerk City of New Bedford 133 William Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Dear Mr. Farias: I have received the petition of Grace Ferguson of the New Bedford Light appealing the response of the City of New Bedford (City) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On June 15, 2022, Ms. Ferguson requested, “[a]ll emails between City employees and [named individuals].” The City responded on June 30, 2022. Unsatisfied with the response, Ms. Ferguson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR22/1707, was opened as a result. Based upon a conversation between a Public Records Division senior attorney and a City representative, it is my understanding that the City intends on providing a further response to Ms. Ferguson. Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide Ms. Ferguson with a response to the request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Access Regulations within 10 business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Ferguson may appeal the substantive nature of the City's response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Grace Ferguson Nicholas DeMarco, 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