FREEDOM

Greater New Haven Clergy Association

28 Starr Street

New Haven, CT 06511

203-606-6179

jamesnewman529@yahoo.com

December 7, 2012

Albert Lucas

Director

Office of Legislative Services

165 Church Street

New Haven, CT 06510

Dear Mr. Lucas:

Under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act § 1-200 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to obtain copies of public records that relate to the sale of the Martin L. King School at 580 Dixwell Avenue to the Elm City College Preparatory, Inc./Achievement First. Specifically, I am requesting any and all records from staff of the Office of Legislative Services and all Board of Aldermen members. Please provide any and all records listed below:

1. A copy of the Community Benefits Agreement.
2. Any and all emails, correspondence, phone logs, meeting logs, notes, and any other contact between Board of Aldermen members and/or staff and Elm City College Preparatory, Inc./Achievement First.
3. List of any and all Board of Aldermen members who have or have had immediate relatives attend(ing) and/or working with or for Achievement First, Elm City College Preparatory, Amistad Academy, or any other subsidiary of or organization founded by Achievement First, (including children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, brothers/sisters, mothers/fathers).
4. List of any and all Board of Aldermen members who have or have had immediate relatives who are members of any boards or advisory committees of Achievement First, Elm City College Preparatory, Amistad Academy or any other subsidiary of or organization founded by Achievement First, (including children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, brothers/sisters, mothers/fathers).
5. Copies of notices for public meetings for the school sale, including community meetings set up and/or facilitated by or attended by city staff with or without the assistance or in partnership with Elm City College Preparatory, Inc./Achievement First.
6. Attendance records, sign in logs for said meetings.
7. All notes and correspondence as a result of and related to said meetings.
8. List of membership of the “community committee” negotiating Community Benefits Agreements related to this school sale, including references as to whether members have or have had immediate relatives attend(ing) and/or working with/for Achievement First/ Elm City (including children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, brothers/sisters, mothers/fathers).

If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed $100.  However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of the MLK School sale. This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act requires a response within four business days.  If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.

If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.

Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

James W. Newman III

President

FICKLIN MEDIA NOTE: I am not up to speed on all of the ins and outs of the current public and private civic discourse concerning the matter referenced above. I do no and fully support all citizens exercising every right at their disposal. I am a Jeffersonian and a Nat Turnian, meaning, all power to the people is the mantra now and forever !