Governor's Newtown panel meets for first time

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's been just over a month since 26 people were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Governor Dannel Malloy wasted no time appointing a commission to take a look at the tragedy itself and measures that could be put in place to avoid a future tragedy.

The commission chairman says there may be a delay in getting some information because Sandy Hook remains under investigation but that doesn't mean they can't take a broad approach to begin making paramount recommendations.

It's been more than a month since the tragedy at Sandy Hook shattered Connecticut and our country. While the shock and grief have not subsided, the work to make change, begins now.

"Every dinner table in America has discussed this topic and this is an opportunity for everyone to participate," said Scott Jackson.

Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson is the Chair of the Governor-appointed commission on the Newtown shootings. The group has a daunting task of receiving and digesting an ocean of information surrounding the massacre then providing a report complete with recommendations. The first meeting was held today at the capital.

"We must bring about change through a thoughtful and comprehensive debate, one that looks at not only how we can prevent gun violence, but how also we can fix our mental health system," said Gov. Malloy.

A key figure speaking before the commission Thursday morning was former Colorado governor Bill Ritter.

"You can expect that your audience will be the people of Newtown, certainly, the people of Connecticut, but the nation watches," said Ritter.

Ritter served on the Columbine Review Commission. Key findings of his report centered on better mental health treatment, recognizing the warning signs to avoid future scenarios like Littleton and yet large scale massacres continue almost fourteen years later.

"It was no secret as state's went through the recession, they had to look at places where they cut back on their budgets, and something like mental health care, we may have boosted it at a good time, it was at risk, and governors across the country are trying to figure out how you save those kinds of programs," said Ritter.

It will take the commission time to amass a sea of information, finding conclusions that some believe could eventually save lives.

"I think the first goal is the issue of school security and standards," said Jackson. "If you design a school there are lighting standards, there are no security standards. It's time to change that."

Much of the information the commission needs may be delayed because Sandy Hook is still under investigation, but Jackson says that doesn't mean work can't be accomplished.

"It allows us to not get so bogged down in the specific details on what happened inside that school on that day. When we're discussing other items like school security, it gives us broader opportunity to take in an all hazards approach," said Jackson.

Danbury State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky III says he believes the state police will most likely be done with the investigation in June.

And with all this talk about mental health, the State's Attorney's office cannot release any information about the mental health of Adam Lanza because it's privileged information.