An extensive investigation by Hearst Media into violations of public records laws in Bridgeport, CT

The following is a three-story example of the importance of public records, a free press, and holding government accountable. The first highlights an extensive investigation by the Hearst Media company into violations of the public records laws in Bridgeport, CT. The second covers Bridgeport’s immediate response, promising to fix the violations and issues after the story ran. The last details how the CT legislature is debating the need for better state laws to ensure records access and compliance in Bridgeport and all Connecticut jurisdictions.

Article one:

In Bridgeport, waiting years for public records while officials break transparency laws
The city has fallen into a pattern of delaying and stonewalling requests for public records – routinely in violation of state law

By Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, Joshua Eaton, Brian Lockhart, CT Insider, February 9, 2023

Article two:

Bridgeport vows to increase public records transparency hours after Hearst CT Media investigation
Mayor Ganim says city will take steps to reduce backlog, bottleneck of FOIA requests

By Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, CT Insider, February 9, 2023

Article three:

Lawmakers eye statewide changes to public records access after Hearst CT probe
In Bridgeport, city councilors question if Mayor Ganim’s reforms will be enough

By Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, CT Insider, February 25, 2023