Criminal Justice Commission

Minutes of Meeting
June 9, 2014

The Criminal Justice Commission met on Monday, June 9, 2014, at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill for the purpose of considering the reappointment of the Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel & Finance; conducting interviews for the appointment of Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys for the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, DWI Coordinator; Office of the State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Haven, Geographical Area (G.A.) 7; and any other business to come before the Commission.

The following members were present: The Honorable Richard N. Palmer, Chairperson, The Honorable Juliett Crawford, Attorney Mary M. Galvin, Attorney Maura H. Horan, Attorney Moy N. Ogilvie, Attorney Ann G. Taylor and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane. Also present: Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Leonard C. Boyle, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney James Turcotte, and Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Ngina Gibson.

The meeting, which was open to the public, commenced at 9:15 a.m. in the conference room. Attorney Ogilvie made a motion, seconded by Attorney Galvin, to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 12, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. There was a brief discussion concerning letters received by some of the members about a personnel matter and the undersigned was requested to respond.

The Commission interviewed John J. Russotto, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel & Finance, at approximately 9:20 a.m. The Chief State’s Attorney is not a member of the Commission for the purpose of appointing the Deputy Chief State’s Attorney and while present did not participate in the reappointment. During the interview, there were questions and thoughtful discussions about training and management matters.

At approximately 10:15 a.m., Attorney Taylor made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the reappointment. The motion was seconded by Attorney Horan and passed unanimously.

Following the executive session, the Commission resumed its public meeting at 10:16 a.m. Attorney Galvin moved for the reappointment of Attorney John J. Russotto as Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel & Finance for a four year term to commence July 1, 2014. Attorney Horan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

After a brief recess, the Commission resumed its public meeting at 10:20 a.m. Leonard C. Boyle, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations, joined the meeting and briefed the members about the Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney/DWI Coordinator position.

Beginning at 10:35 a.m., the Commission interviewed the following attorneys: David J. Cordone, Yamini Menon, Donald L. Nevins, III, and Robin S. Schwartz. The Commission was informed that one of the candidates scheduled for interview withdrew his application prior to the meeting. After a brief recess at 11:39 a.m., the Commission resumed its public meeting at 11:50 a.m. to conclude the interviews.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Attorney Galvin made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the appointment. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Following the executive session, the Commission resumed its public meeting at 12:40 p.m. Attorney Taylor moved for the appointment of Attorney Robin S. Schwartz as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney/DWI Coordinator for the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

James Turcotte, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, joined the meeting at 12:41 p.m. and briefed the members about the Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney position at G.A. 7 in Meriden.

Beginning at 12:46 p.m., the Commission interviewed the following attorneys: Randall S. Blowers, Kelly E. Davis, Melissa R. Holmes, Thomas H. Houlihan, Jr. and Anissa M. Klapproth.

The Commission recessed at 1:30 p.m. and resumed its public meeting at 2:05 p.m. At approximately 4:05 p.m., Attorney Horan made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the appointment. Attorney Taylor seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Following the executive session, the Commission resumed its public meeting at 4:20 p.m. Attorney Horan moved for the appointment of Attorney Kelly E. Davis as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, G.A. 7. Attorney Galvin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:21 p.m.

Kevin T. Kane, Esq.
Secretary, Criminal Justice Commission