Subject: Follow‑up on Expedited GRAMA Appeal – Denial Dated 2/10/26
Date: March 2, 2026 at 10:32:35 AM MST
Dear Director Moss,
I am writing to follow up on my appeal of the denial of my expedited GRAMA records request, which is dated February 10, 2026, but was not actually sent to or received by me until February 17, 2026.
Because I did not receive the denial until February 17—ten (10) full calendars days after the denial was apparently written—that is the date on which I first had notice of the denial and from which I calculated my appeal timeline. I submitted my appeal and requested expedited consideration on February 18, 2026.
Utah’s GRAMA statutes require that governmental entities respond “as soon as reasonably possible” and within the applicable statutory time limits, and to provide notice if any extraordinary circumstances are being claimed that would extend those limits. As of today, March 2, 2026, I have not received:
- A decision on my request for expedited handling of the appeal;
- A substantive written decision on the appeal itself; or
- Any notice that extraordinary circumstances are being claimed, along with an estimated date for a decision.
In light of the elapsed time since my February 18 appeal and request for expedition, I am requesting:
- Written confirmation of the current status of my appeal and my request for expedited consideration; and
- Either an immediate written decision on the appeal or clear written notice of any statutory basis you are relying on to extend the response time, including a specific expected decision date.
If I do not receive a written response or decision by the close of business today, March 2, 2026, I will treat the lack of response as a denial and proceed to the next level of appeal and any other remedies available under Utah statutes.
If you believe a response has already been sent, please re‑send it, as I have not received it.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
(Signed)
Joseph L. Puente
Salt Lake City, Utah
Email reply From: Patrick Fitzgibbon…
Subject: Re: Follow‑up on Expedited GRAMA Appeal…
Date: March 2, 2026 at 4:04 PM,
Mr. Puente,
When you submitted your appeal to Director Moss on February 18, I appreciated your copying all vested parties on that correspondence.
Our counsel sent you an acknowledgement of receipt that same day.
Regarding the timeline for a decision, we are following the standard review period outlined in code, which sets the deadline for a formal response this Wednesday, March 4.
Please keep an eye on your inbox at that time.
Subject: Re: Follow‑up on Expedited GRAMA Appeal – Denial Dated 2/10/26
Date: March 2, 2026 at 4:05:24 PM MST
To: Patrick Fitzgibbon…
Thank you. I appreciate the update.