In an article about how the Freedom of Information Commission decided that the City of Hartford needs to release documents that are part of the mayor’s criminal investigation, the Courant fails to explain one thing while applauding themselves for being “the social conscience of the citizens of the City”: What has taken so damn long?
Right after the Cheshire invasion and murders, the news media made a similar request for access to sensitive documents. In that case, such information is unnecessary. The public does not need to appease their morbid curiosity by knowing gruesome details about one family’s tragedy. On the other hand, Eddie Perez, who affects the policy of a city where many people’s lives are impacted, has been protected, it seems, by a drawn out request process. Apparently, the documents were requested back in March. In the meantime, he’s been endorsed by the Courant and re-elected to office.
Let’s be reasonable about how we determine which crimes deserve pages upon pages of ink. As tragic as the Cheshire murders were, no amount of public fury will bring those three individuals back. However, in this case, we have a suspected criminal holding high office, where he can continue to use his poor judgment.