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Did the minutes for the last meeting which were approved without discussion or amendment include the now infamous, "I kill you!" quote?
from: Wondering	on: 04-27-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

The Proposition 2 and 1/2 Overrides were voted on by the Selectmen as their previous meeting. They are the only ones that can place an override on the ballot by voting to do so. See: http://www.mass.gov/Ador/docs/dls/publ/misc/prop2.pdf Once an override issue is on the ballot, it is ILLEGAL for a local official (read Selectman) to use public resources such as facilities (where the meeting was held) to promote or oppose the question. The law was clearly broken last night at the Selectmen's meeting. Speaking favorably of the overrides last evening in the Selectmen's Room in the Town Hall was ILLEGAL! No one cares? read pages 7 and 8 of the printed guide. Editor: The guide specifically refers to conduct, not speech, but does note: "Thus, while local officials can take a position on an override or exclusion question and speak in favor of or in opposition to it, they cannot spend public funds or use public resources, such as personnel, supplies and facilities, to promote or oppose the question." Are you saying re-iterating a previously stated position at a duly held Selectmen's meeting would be considered "spending" public resources?
from: Ethics 101	on: 04-27-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

i have a way too save the tax payers of williamstown,,let start with D.P.W.and CEMENTARY workers,,i see D.P.W. worker over in pownal at stewarts,and winchesters dont you think thats costing the town a lot of fuel,,i know there do a break,,but too go to pownal,vt. for a pack of cigarettes,(little blue truck)or riding around or sitting in a truck on a raining day,the cementary worker start at 730am to 4pm i see them down in the old part at taking a break till they go home,,,,,and what about these guy taking town trucks home,,to north adams,and cheshire that a lot of wear and tear and fuel
from: sam	on: 04-27-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

We are talking about the ballot or election which precedes Town meeting. Once it is on the ballot - vote is made to put it on the ballot, all these ethics rules kick in. A Selectmen cannot use Town Hall as a staging ground and bully pulpit to promote a yes or no vote on the ballot issue. The chair even promised to do this again next week! iBerkshires: why not call the State offices and get their opinion? 1-617-727-8352 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingÃ‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚ Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â 1-617-727-8352Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Could be a good story! 1-617-727-2828. Editor: Why didn't you call? OK, I did. Preliminary call to DOR, Division of Local Services says no violation - unless they're sending home fliers with kids. The Selectmen have the right to an opinion and to discuss whatever they want at their meetings. That's it so far. Second call to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance also says no violation. The Selectmen can state their opinion at their own meetings; the public can also state their opinions at the Selectmen's during citizen comments. So equal access is allowed. If officials use resources such as computers and copiers, that's a no-no. But anyone can stand on town property with a sign for anything.
from: Ethics 101	on: 04-27-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Thanks for making the calls. I called yesterday, but no answer. I had always believed one could not use Town property to promote one's beliefs. Unless there was some misunderstanding at the state level, I stand corrected. Editor: You absolutely can use town property to state your beliefs - although government entities may impose certain restrictions. People hold protests and vigils all the time in public spaces like Field Park and Park Square.
from: Ethics 101	on: 04-28-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

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