U.S. Rep. Neal Schedules District Office Hours

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal will hold district office hours in seven communities in Berkshire and Franklin Counties this week to give local citizens an opportunity to share their concerns directly with a congressional staff member.

During distinct office hours, staff will be able to assist those who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, veteran's benefits, immigration applications and other federal programs. Some district office hours will be shared with other state and local elected officials to make it easier for constituents to meet with their representatives. Neal will continue to hold weekly district office hours throughout the 1st Congressional District during the months of April and May.

"I have always believed that good constituent service is the lifeblood of any elected office. You simply have to give constituents an opportunity to have their voices heard," said Neal. "That is why I am holding these district office hours all across the 1st Congressional District this spring. I want the people of Berkshire and Franklin County to know that my staff is always there to serve capably serve them."

In addition to his district office hours, Neal has full-time office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building, 78 Center St., Pittsfield. The office can be reached at 413-442-0946. Constituents traveling to Washington, D.C., can visit his office in Room 2208 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The direct line is 202-225-5601.


TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

Noon to 1 p.m.:  Hancock Town Hall, 3650 Hancock Road

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Cheshire Town Hall, 80 Church St.

3 to 4 p.m.: Dalton Town Hall, 462 Main St., with state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing and Rep. Paul Mark's staff


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Noon to 1:30 p.m.:   Williamstown Town Hall, 31 North St., with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's staff

2 to 4 p.m.:  North Adams City Hall, 10 Main St.


THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Noon to 1 p.m.: Charlemont Town Hall, 2023 Massachusetts 2

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Rowe Town Hall, 321 Zoar Road

                    


Tags: congressman,   constituent services,   

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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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