Criminal Justice Commission
Minutes of the Special Meeting
October 11, 2019
Legislative Office Building
Hartford, Connecticut
The Criminal Justice Commission met for a special meeting on Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Legislative Office Building (LOB). The Honorable Andrew J. McDonald, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
Also in attendance was The Honorable Melanie L. Cradle, attorneys Robert Berke, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Scott Murphy and Moy N. Ogilvie and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, and Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Janice duFrend and DCJ Human Resources Specialist Ivette Nurse.
The Commission observed a moment of silence in honor of Gary Mazzone, a retired DCJ Inspector who died in the crash of a vintage World War II airplane on October 2, 2019.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane moved to amend the agenda to add public comment on the appointment of the State’s Attorney for the Litchfield Judicial District following interviews for the position. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Justice McDonald noted the meeting was the first to be conducted under Section 5 of Public Act 19-59, which requires the Commission to hold any meetings for the sole purpose of appointment, reappointment or discipline of the Chief State’s Attorney, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney or State’s Attorney in public session at the LOB.
The Commission proceeded to interview candidates to complete the term of Litchfield State’s Attorney ending June 20, 2025, in succession to David Shepack, who retired. The Commission interviewed Catherine Austin, Charles Stango, Dawn Gallo, James Bernardi and Cynthia St. Onge Serafini.
During the course of the interviews, Attorney Murphy moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 4, 2019. Chief State’s Attorney Kane seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Commission took a break in the course of the interviews from 10:54 a.m. to 11:03 a.m. At the conclusion of the interviews, Justice McDonald asked if any members of the public wished to comment on the appointment of the Litchfield State’s Attorney. There was no public comment and the Commission recessed for lunch at 1:49 p.m.
The Commission reconvened at 2:22 p.m. for a public forum for stakeholders and members of the public to voice their opinions as to what qualities and characteristics the Commission should look for in candidates being interviewed for appointment as the next Chief State’s Attorney.
Justice McDonald reminded the public and those watching the forum on the Connecticut Network (CT-N) that additional comments may be submitted to the Commission following the public forum. All testimony will be posted on the Commission website. The public forum concluded at 3:45 p.m. Justice McDonald thanked all who participated.
The Commission discussed the schedule for appointment of the Chief State’s Attorney to succeed Chief State’s Attorney Kane, who announced his retirement effective November 1, 2019. Justice McDonald asked the public to circulate the job announcement once it is released. The tentative schedule is to advertise the position in the Connecticut Law Journal the week of October 22, 2019, and allow one month for applications to be submitted.
Attorney Berke moved to enter executive session to consider the appointment of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield for the term ending June 30, 2025, and an acting Chief State’s Attorney following Mr. Kane’s retirement. Attorney Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The executive session began at 4:00 p.m. The Commission reconvened in public session at 4:45 p.m. Justice McDonald stated that no motions were made or votes taken during the executive session.
Attorney Murphy moved to appoint John J. Russotto, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Personnel, Finance and Administration, as acting Chief State’s Attorney effective upon the retirement of Kevin T. Kane as Chief State’s Attorney. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Attorney Ogilvie moved to appoint Dawn Gallo as State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield to complete the term ending June 30, 2025, in succession to David Shepack, who retired. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed on a voice vote of 6-1.
Justice McDonald asked the Commission to review the draft Job Specification for Chief State’s Attorney and to notify DCJ Human Resources of dates that members are not available to meet in November, December and January.
Attorney Berke moved to adjourn. Attorney Murphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.