North Adams Panel Hears Comments on 'Safe Community' Resolution
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City councilors are expected vote on a refined resolution in February declaring the city a safe and welcoming community after taking more feedback from residents.
The resolution was introduced in December by City Councilors Nancy Bullett and President Benjamin Lamb but ran into some concerns over language and intent. A second pass at the resolution was referred to the Community Development Committee for more public input. Lamb sent another more streamlined revision to the committee through Bullett as he was unable to attend.
The response at meetings has been generally favorable, although there have been worries over specific language and what it might lock the city into — or cost it in federal funds. And while there has been opposition, a number of the nearly two dozen residents at Thursday's committee meeting stood in support of the statement.
"I do worry about federally pushed mandates that challenge our moral compass, undermine our very constitution, and force us as a commonwealth and a city to make tough decisions that may hurt financially should we stand by our principles," said Tara Jacobs, a member of the School Committee. "I hope that we, too, have the fortitude and fiber to stand strong in the belief in what is right in the face of what will financially be tested."
But she cautioned, the resolution can't exist without solutions. "I feel that without an action plan these will be nice words," Jacobs said.
Resident Michael DiLego also questioned the need and the how of the resolution, what it would actually accomplish.
"Once someone has learned hatred it's very hard to reverse that," he said. "How do we protect the people this resolution is designed to protect after the resolution goes into effect if we can't do it now?"
The community should be looking at ways to reach people, he continued, and getting the message out.
Bullett, a member of the Community Development Committee, explained that the resolution was about recognizing the increasing diversity of the community and welcoming in new residents drawn by the colleges, the museums and other reasons.
"As that community gets bigger and different it's important, you're absolutely right, you have to reach the younger children first," she said to Dilego. "If we can make a difference in one person's life, and pay it forward to 10 more, think of what we can do."
A few wondered why the City Council was bothering since there are existing laws addressing discrimination and hate crimes, and how anything in the proclamation could be enforced. The resolution is not a law or ordinance but rather a statement of the city's position as proposed by the council.
Darrell English said it was "ill thought out" and could trample 1st Amendment rights and trigger lawsuits. "This could escalate into ways you haven't thought of yet," he said.
"I think it's important to recognize this is a group of white people here and they may not be attuned to the community," said Jane Berger, whose partner is a person of color. The couple like city and hoped to raise a family here. But, she said, "our friends are watching this closely to see if we would be welcome here."
A letter from Ashley Shade, read by Emily Schiavo, illustrated the issue for some in the transgender community.
"If this resolution is not passed my biggest concern is what message does that say to the children of our community," wrote Shade. "Does it say we are OK with discrimination and bigotry? ...
"I don't fear for my physical safety in town but there are others who are not as lucky as I am."
There were also concerns over the listing of specific categories of people in the statement and, again, some confusion over illegal immigration. The original statement had referred to immigration status (which is not necessarily illegal) and the current one to "anti-immigrant."
Councilor Lisa Blackmer assured the audience that the statement "does not protect anybody who does illegal acts."
The committee did not vote on a recommendation since the document might be further refined after Thursday's comments. But all three members, including Chairman Eric Buddington, evinced support for the concept.
Resident Tony Pisano thought the resolution would show everyone that North Adams "is a city that respects people and cares about people ... it can only have a positive effect."
Tags: community development, council resolution,
