HOLYOKE — Two unions that represent Holyoke Police Department employees are asking city officials to respond to their concerns about At-Large City Councilor Israel Rivera’s future on police-related matters before the City Council after he reportedly threatened to cut the police budget and used racial slurs during a Dec. 20 arrest allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Holyoke Police Supervisors’ Union, Local 409, and the Holyoke Police Patrolmen’s Union, Local 388, delivered a two-page letter to Mayor Joshua Garcia, Police Chief Brian Keenan, City Solicitor Lisa Ball and City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti on Monday, the same day Rivera was voted by his peers to be the first vice president of the City Council in Holyoke’s history.
The letter cites a report from State Police in which Rivera during his arrest allegedly told officers, “I’m a City Councilor; you can’t really work with me?,” and then allegedly threatened to cut the police budget. Rivera also reportedly used racial slurs as he was being detained, the letter states.
“Regardless of the ultimate disposition of any criminal or civil proceedings, such statements — if accurately reported — raise serious concerns regarding the appearance of bias, retaliation, or animosity toward law enforcement,” the letter reads.
In the letter, the unions request written ethical guidance as to whether Rivera’s continued participation in police-related matters presents an actual or apparent conflict of interest; and written guidance as to whether recusal from police-related votes, discussions, or
oversight responsibilities would be appropriate to safeguard impartiality and public
confidence.
Unions leaders said that if city officials do not respond within seven to 10 business days, a press conference will be held to bring attention to their concerns.
Rivera, who has been on the council since 2021, declined comment on Tuesday since his case is ongoing.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Garcia stressed that Rivera’s personal issues have “no bearing” on the operations of the Holyoke Police Department and recommended that the unions seek guidance from the state and legal counsel.
“While the union seeks guidance on Councilor Rivera’s personal matters and their potential impact, I reaffirm that such issues do not influence the daily operations or effectiveness of the Holyoke Police Department,” said Garcia. “Our department remains committed to its mission, and under Chief Keenan’s leadership we continue to make measurable progress in community safety. I encourage the union to seek the appropriate legal or governmental guidance and appreciate their ongoing support as we work to serve and protect our community.”
Lt. Andrew DiNapoli, president of the Local 409 supervisors union, said Rivera’s comments are especially concerning given that he has a seat on the city’s Public Safety Committee, and emphasized that Rivera should not be able to vote on matters that concern the Police Department.
“A, he should not be on the Public Safety Committee,” said DiNapoli in an interview Tuesday. “B, he should not be voting on any legislation or rules or policy with regards to the Holyoke Police Department.”
The letter also takes issue with the racial slurs Rivera used during his arrest — something which DiNapoli said concerned him more than Rivera’s comments about cutting the police budget. DiNapoli added that while everyone makes mistakes, the people of Holyoke deserve better given Holyoke’s diversity and focus on inclusion.
“What concerned me more was the racial slurs he was throwing out … it’s just not a good look,” he said. “It’s a black cloud for the city.”
DiNapoli said that since Holyoke does not have an ethics commission, the letter was considered necessary, and that Murphy-Romboletti will most likely be the person able to take action. He also said the unions have been in contact with the state’s Ethics
Commission.
Officer Manuel Rivera, president of the Local 388 patrolmen’s union, said he was offended by Israel Rivera’s reported comments not only because he has a daughter who is half black, but also because Councilor Rivera’s actions lacked the professionalism required of city officials and employees.
He added that within the Holyoke Police Department the subject of Israel Rivera’s arrest is currently a hot topic.
“This is real hot and heavy…officers are concerned,” he said.
In addition, Manuel Rivera also believes Councilor Rivera to be, “anti-police.” He cited that when the law enforcement unions were discussing their contracts, the councilor had said the department would be “lucky” to receive a 1% raise. Manuel Rivera is concerned that the department, which is among the lowest paid police forces in the region, is unlikely to get a “fair shake” from Councilor Rivera.
“We have an individual, Mr. Rivera, who is anti-police and makes our lives harder,” he said.
Rivera is currently facing civil charges of speeding and failure to stop, and a criminal charge of OUI. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges during his arraignment and he is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 26.
Previously, Rivera served five years in prison for drug-related charges. Since 2012, he has earned multiple degrees, including an associate degree from Holyoke Community College and a sociology degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This spring, he is expecting to graduate from Westfield State University with a master’s degree in public administration.
Over the past four years, Rivera worked his way up to becoming the regional director of Families First, an organization focused on assisting families and children. Before Families First, he worked as a community engagement manager with the Holyoke Public Schools.
Rivera was also included in BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2023.