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Date: 7/26/2021
Despite the fact I’ve been doing this job for a very long time, I’m not jaded. Almost daily there is some event or story that makes me issue an exclamation – sometimes under my breath and sometimes shared with the staff.
This week, for instance, the news that former Chicopee Police Officer Mike Wilk, who had been dismissed for posting remarks on social media that were offensive, but has been rehired by the city, was one that was met with a string of amazed exclamations.
This time Wilk will be used as a special police officer who would work construction sites assignments and direct traffic.
Wilk retired from the force just over a year ago after being removed as the longtime public information officer. Just as a reminder, this is one of his posts: “Kaeprnick (sic) is just as wrong as those cops. Kneeling disrespects a flag that many have died for honorably. Those cops will be criminally charged and prosecuted, as they should be. Doesn't give someone the right to dishonor those that gave their lives for a country.”
So a peaceful protest about how some police officers have treated people of color is just as serious as the crimes those officers committed, right? Very, very wrong.
In a statement from Mayor John Vieau, it was noted that Wilk would not be representing the department or the city with posts on social media.
The word “optics” is tossed around today as a word that describes how something looks to the public. Well, the optics here are unfortunate at best.
What does this say to the average person? A public servant posts a bunch of stuff on his or her personal social media and people are supposed to believe it doesn’t count because it wasn’t on a government page?
That’s not the way it works.
What you post on social media reflects your interest but it also trickles down to the company for which you work. It doesn’t matter if you work for a large corporation as I do or a municipality as Wilk once did and now again.
So, is the lesson here that there are not really any little long-lasting consequences to a public employee spouting off racist nonsense?
Tax revenue versus quality of life
Our Pennysaver reporter Peter Currier did a fine job covering the Carvana issue in Southwick and last week the car sales company withdrew its proposal for a facility in that town after much protest by a significant number of residents.
The residents were concerned about how such a facility would change the small largely agricultural community and how the run-off from acres of blacktop would affect the environment.
Southwick, like so many small Massachusetts communities, has to struggle with the definition of their community with development that would bring both jobs and new tax revenue.
Many communities are faced with that issue and it is one that clearly will never go away. The simple truth is as the Commonwealth mandates programs in schools and other matters that affect municipalities, this struggle will continue. There is only so much money a community can raise through property taxes.
Don’t get me wrong. The residents who protested did something true to their feelings and fears. In the long run, they may have made the right decision for their community. Raising revenue without making an impact on a town or city, though, is a tricky balancing act.
Confidential to the governor and the attorney general
Listen folks, it’s time to fish or cut bait.
Gov. Baker, are you running for re-election? Attorney General Healey, are you seeking the nomination of your party?
Yeah, yeah, yeah I know there is still time, but I find the game of “will they or won’t they?” sort of cloying and not amusing.
C’mon you can tell me. Drop me a line at news@thereminder.com.