Letter: Dear People of Dalton

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To the Editor:

Attendance at the Dalton annual town meeting, which was twice Dalton's previous best, was nothing short of amazing. This level of community involvement made clear that Dalton residents do care about their town and are committed to seeing that decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind.

I was particularly pleased because such attendance increases the likelihood that the voting more closely aligns with the wishes of the majority of residents in Dalton and clear direction is every town leader's dream. So, I thank you all for coming, for listening, for asking questions, for being engaged, for staying the many hours needed, and for casting your valued votes. Your effort was appreciated, and I will do everything I can to support your engagement in the future.

On another important note I want to mention that people who know my business helps towns with underground piping issues have asked whether I will do work for the town of Dalton. I have shared with them, and I want everyone to know, that while I am a Dalton Select Board member or a member of Dalton's Stormwater Management Commission, I will not bid on any work for the Town of Dalton.

That said, people may not know that the Fire District, which includes the Water Department in Dalton, is also a municipality separate from the Town of Dalton. Since I have no elected or appointed position in the Fire District, I have no conflict of interest that would stop me from providing services for the Fire District. Therefore, if work is needed to repair Water Department broken water mains, I will bid on and do that work as I have for years.

In closing and looking forward to the future if elected, with the decisions you have made now in place, I will continue to do the things I have promised and will always keep an eye to serving the best interests of the people of Dalton. I will also continue to rely on all of you to provide feedback on how I am doing or to raise new issues as they arise. Your comments have been invaluable and will continue to be very appreciated. I also hope the passion present at the annual town meeting continues this coming Monday, May 12, and that once again an amazing number of people participate in the town elections to make the choices of the majority of Dalton residents very clear.

Robert collins
Dalton, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: town elections,   


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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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