David Chritson v. Somerville, City of (SPR 20250613)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 17, 2025 SPR25/0613 David Shapiro, Esq. Deputy City Solicitor City of Somerville – Law Department 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 Dear Attorney Shapiro: I have received the petition of David Chritson appealing the response of the City of Somerville (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 10, 2024, Mr. Chritson requested “records made or received by SPD’s [named individual] and related to [himself], from May 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2023.” Following further correspondence, the City responded on January 31, 2025, providing numerous responsive records. Unsatisfied with the City’s response, Mr. Chritson petitioned this office, and this appeal, SPR25/0613, 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 City on March 6, 2025, I understand that the City intends to provide a supplemental response to Mr. Chritson. Accordingly, said response must be provided in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten 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. If issues remain unresolved, Mr. Chritson may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s supplemental response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: David Chritson 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