East Windsor FOIA Decision Highlights Ongoing Transparency Issues

East Windsor, CT – In a revealing turn of events, the Freedom of Information Commission has once again found the Town of East Windsor and its Planning & Zoning Commission in violation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), marking a concerning pattern of disregard for public transparency. This decision follows closely on the heels of a similar FOIA ruling involving local resident Lynn Stanley, and a series of SEEC violations by First Selectman Jason Bowsza, underscoring a habitual failure in upholding the principles of open and accountable governance.

The latest FOIA case, brought forward by Mike Ceppetelli, highlights repeated oversights in properly notifying the public, updating meeting agendas, and publishing minutes in a timely manner concerning a site plan modification. This decision not only reinforces the need for strict adherence to transparency laws but also calls into question the repeated lapses by the town's administration under First Selectman Bowsza's leadership.

The Commission's directive, on 2/28/2024, was for immediate compliance, and mandated FOI Act training for the respondents serves as a stark reminder of the fundamental rights of East Windsor's citizens to accessible and transparent government proceedings.

These recurrent transparency issues, compounded by First Selectman Bowsza's previous SEEC violations for misusing town resources to influence a referendum vote, paint a troubling picture of a leadership culture that prioritizes convenience over statutory obligations and public trust.

Ms. Stanley said: “We must demand higher standards from our elected officials and town commissions. The repeated FOIA violations and disregard for election laws not only undermine the democratic process but also erode the trust and confidence that the public places in its local government.”

“It is imperative that we, as a community, stand together in advocating for transparency, accountability, and reform within our town's governance. The recent FOIA decision regarding Mike Ceppetelli's complaint is a call to action for all residents to ensure our town leaders adhere to the principles of open government that are essential for a healthy democracy” Stanley said.