Jean DiBattista v. Bridgewater, Town of - Town Clerk (SPR 20232408)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records October 24, 2023 SPR23/2408 Kimberley Williams Assistant Town Manager Town of Bridgewater Municipal Town Offices, Academy Building 66 Central Square Bridgewater, MA 02324 Dear Ms. Williams: I have received the petition of Jean DiBattista appealing the response of the Town of Bridgewater (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On September 28, 2023, Jean DiBattista requested “the written copy of [a specified] legal opinion.” The Town responded on October 5, 2023, citing the attorney-client privilege for withholding responsive records. Unsatisfied with the Town’s response, Jean DiBattista appealed, and this case was opened as a result. Subsequent to the opening of this appeal, based on a telephone conversation between this office and an attorney for the Town on October 11, 2023, I understand that the Town intends to provide a supplemental response to Jean DiBattista. Accordingly, said response must be provided in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its regulations within ten business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. If issues remain unresolved, Jean DiBattista may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’s supplemental response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jean DiBattista Jason Rawlins, 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