RMV scoffs at accountability
When frustrated parents called the Herald furious over being told by the RMV that their college-aged kids had to retake driving tests, we moved quickly to figure out why.
As we first reported on the evening of Feb. 15, the registry was ordering 2,100 drivers to take a road test within 10 days or risk losing their license after four registry workers were fired for being part of a scam.
That edict interrupted families in the midst of a pandemic with new drivers spread out all over the region only to be threatened by the registry.
So, who were the culprits who upended all these lives? The Registry of Motor Vehicles won’t say.
The Herald’s public records request seeking the names, titles and pay of those fired for the ruse has been denied. We have appealed to the Secretary of State’s Office, but as of this writing the RMV is basically telling the taxpaying public “too bad!”
Here’s the full response: “Please be advised that we are withholding release of the requested records as they are exempt from disclosure as personnel files and information pursuant to the first clause of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, Section 7(26)(c). Massachusetts courts have consistently determined that personnel file information includes, at a minimum, employment applications, employee evaluations, disciplinary documentation, and promotion, demotion or termination information pertaining to a particular employee. Information falling within the ‘personnel and medical files or information’ category is absolutely exempt from disclosure.”
Basically, those who upended so many lives — four registry workers at the Brockton Customer Service Center who were fired — are not being identified. They reportedly gave drivers passing grades without ever hitting the road. It was also reported that another RMV employee in the Brockton branch was issuing fraudulent vehicle titles.
State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, a candidate for state auditor, has called for a Senate oversight hearing on the RMV mess.
It’s clear the RMV continues to struggle to get the job done. So why hide the bad apples?
Here’s what they said in denying the Herald’s public records request: “MassDOT is also withholding responsive records under the privacy clause of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, Section 7(26) (c), which exempts materials or data relating to a specifically named individual, the disclosure of which may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”
Yes, those employees who forced 2,100 would-be drivers to do a U-turn in less than two weeks or face being bagged would be exposed. But isn’t that a deterrent?
MassDOT, which oversees the embattled registry, does add the agency is withholding responsive records under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, Section 7(26)(f), which exempts certain investigatory materials. Specifically, it applies to materials necessarily compiled out of the public view by investigatory officials that, if disclosed, “would probably so prejudice the possibility of effective law enforcement that such disclosure would not be in the public interest.” Disclosure of responsive records could “impede any ongoing investigation about this matter.”
Let’s hope those fired for yet again tarnishing the RMV are charged so their names can finally be made public. If not, it’s clear the registry does not believe in the spirit of true transparency.