BELCHETOWN — A new Select Board policy prevents the governing body from taking a stance on any national, political or ideological issues that do not pertain directly to Belchertown.
According to Select Board Chair Lesa Pearson, the policy prioritizes the board’s duty to govern and protect Belchertown and its people, despite possible ideological differences among board members. Board members approved the policy in a majority vote at a meeting Monday night. Select Board member Jen Turner abstained.
“As much as there are different political ideologies in this town, there are a lot of basic issues that we all agree on,” Pearson said. “One of them I think is we deeply care about the safety and well-being of every resident in Belchertown, including their civil rights; anything else could be seen as virtue signaling.”
On Nov. 3, residents Dorothy Cresswell and Dusty Miller presented the board with a petition asking the board to uphold and adhere to the United States Constitution, prompting conversation about the Select Board’s mandated role in municipal governance.
According to the policy, Select Board members should “honor” the U.S. and Massachusetts Constitutions, but their “oath” is to Belchertown bylaws and Massachusetts laws, rules and regulations. Select Board member Nicole Miner, who drafted the policy with Pearson, said the policy acknowledges Cresswell and Miller’s petition while reinforcing the purpose of the town’s executive body.
“You [Pearson] and I came together on both sides of the fence on this,” Miner said. “It was not easy, but I’m happy that we are able to come to something that we both support.”
The policy states that the board cannot make statements, issue resolutions or give commentary to any federal or national topics that do not impact municipal affairs. If a federal law, mandate, court decision or action directly impacts town affairs — from funding and services to public safety and municipal authority — then the policy permits discussion.
Members themselves maintain their First Amendment rights as citizens to take a stance on these issues, but not on behalf of the board.
Before the board can deliberate on a federal issue, members must discuss and vote on whether it effects Belchertown’s municipal government, property or citizens. The policy, also, does not prohibit the board from following federal mandates, upholding public safety or issuing statements on local matters.
The approved policy underwent some changes during the meeting to match the pledge each elected official takes at the beginning of their term. The document went into effect immediately.
“I think it’s an important example that we can show to the public that regardless of where we are on the political scale that we can and should be able to talk to each
other. We may not agree but it can be done,” Pearson said.