A committee formed to investigate problems that delayed voting at some city polls on Election Day is seeking records and will conduct interviews in an effort to learn what went wrong. The committee, composed of six council members — five voting and one non-voting — held its first meeting Monday. It pledged to review documents, conduct “informal” interviews and schedule formal proceedings, though members did not say when each would occur. Attorney Ross Garber, one of two lawyers helping the panel on a voluntary basis, said he and others are “in the process getting documents now.” He declined to specify what the committee has requested, though the probe is expected to focus on the Hartford voter registrars office. Garber said the panel would conduct an “expeditious investigation.” “We intend to be thorough and fair and follow the facts,” he said.
Councilman Alexander Aponte, a Democrat who is chairing the committee with Minority Leader Joel Cruz, said he is confident the committee will meet its Dec. 31 deadline for preparing a report.
The council’s operations, management, budget and legislative affairs committee is also looking into the registrars’ office and will make recommendations for reform, based at least in part on the other committee’s report.
Full Article: Panel Studying Hartford Elections Begins Seeking Documents, Witnesses – Hartford Courant.