John Sayers v. Abington, Town of - Office of the Town Clerk (SPR 20241428)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records May 28, 2024 SPR24/1428 Leanne M. Adams Town Clerk Town of Abington 500 Gliniewicz Way Abington, MA 02351 Dear Ms. Adams: I have received the petition of John Sayers appealing the response of the Town of Abington (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On March 10, 2024, Mr. Sayers requested the following: [1.] All communication records between Abington Selectman… and [a named individual] to include email, telephonic, text or any other electronic communication. This request is also for his private email used in the capacity of public duties, phone correspondence made as a member of the board, or any other related communications. The time frame of this request is from January 1, 2022, until present… [2.] In addition, I am requesting all communication records between Abington Selectmen… and any attorney at Clifford and Kenny Law Firm from January 1, 2022 until present regarding the unlawful release of confidential records pertaining to Abington police personnel. Prior Appeal This request was the subject of a prior appeal. See SPR24/1033 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (April 19, 2024). In my April 19th determination, I found that the Town did not meet its burden to redact information under the attorney-client privilege. The Town responded on May 3, 2024. Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Sayers petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/1428, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Town intends on providing a further response to Mr. Sayers to address the records request. 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

Leanne M. Adams SPR24/1428 Page 2 May 28, 2024 Accordingly, the Town is ordered to provide the requestor with said response in a manner consistent with this order, 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. Sayers may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: John Sayers Richard Massina, Esq.