Judicial Branch’s Public Service And Trust Commission Schedules Public Hearings

Members of the public will have the opportunity to address the Judicial Branch’s Public Service and Trust Commission at two public hearings in December, one in Hartford and the other in Bridgeport.

The public hearing in Hartford is scheduled for Monday, December 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the Supreme Court building, 231 Capitol Avenue. The public hearing in Bridgeport is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the Fairfield Judicial District Courthouse, 1061 Main Street.

Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers formed the Public Service and Trust Commission this past summer. The diverse panel of 42 individuals is charged with creating a strategic plan that will guide the Judicial Branch in the upcoming years. It is chaired by appellate Court Judge Alexandra D. DiPentima.

Chief Justice Rogers and Judge DiPentima are urging the public and members of the bar to take the opportunity to speak at the hearings.

“Input from the pubic and members of the bar is critical as we move forward on the strategic plan,” Chief Justice Rogers said. “They are the primary users of our court system, and we would like to hear their recommendations. As I said when I appointed the commission, our strategic plan must focus on the present and future needs of the people we serve.”

“One of the tasks of the commission in creating a strategic plan that addresses those needs is to examine public perceptions of our state judicial system,” said Judge DiPentima. “We can’t do that effectively and with concrete results unless the public assists us at these hearings.”

A sign-up sheet for those choosing to speak at the public hearing will be available one hour prior to the start of the hearing. Speakers are encouraged to provide ten copies of their remarks, which should be submitted when signing up to speak.

Speakers will be limited to five minutes of testimony in order to provide the opportunity for all interested persons to speak and to permit time for discussion among commission members. Speakers are also being asked to direct their comments to their recommendations for the strategic plan.

For further information, contact the External Affairs Division at 860-757-2270.