Colman Herman v. Cannabis Control Commission (SPR 20232757)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records November 28, 2023 SPR23/2757 Michael Bergquist, Esq. Associate General Counsel Cannabis Control Commission 2 Washington Square Worcester, MA 01604 Dear Attorney Bergquist: I have received the petition of Colman M. Herman appealing the response of the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66 § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On October 23, 2023, Mr. Herman requested “[a]ny and all expense records related to any and all out-of-state trips taken by any and all commissioners and/or staff this year,” including “credit card statements, expense reports, and back-up receipts.” Mr. Herman also requested “[t]he written employee reimbursement policy of the [Commission].” The Commission responded on November 9, 2023, asking Mr. Herman to narrow his request. On November 20, 2023, Mr. Herman narrowed his first request to records for only four specific Commission staff members. After not receiving a further response from the Commission, Mr. Herman petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/2757, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Commission intends on providing a further response to Mr. Herman to address his records request. Accordingly, the Commission is ordered to provide Mr. Herman with said response in a manner consistent with 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 the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Herman may appeal the substantive nature of the Commission’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Michael Bergquist, Esq. SPR23/2757 Page 2 November 28, 2023 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Colman M. Herman