There was an interesting juxtaposition on the Gazette’s front page Feb. 5. The Belchertown Select Board has apparently “curbed stances” on any national, political or ideological issues that do not pertain directly to Belchertown. But also on the front page, in the item headlined “Auto shop owners stay put,” at issue is a racist and threatening letter posted on the door of a Belchertown business, telling them to leave town because of their Puerto Rican heritage. The letter was signed “Your White Superiors.”
The owners say they will not allow hate to scare them away and that residents have been supportive.
The incident, according to the story, is being investigated by police. Depending on what authorities find, a note that allegedly threatened Gil’s Auto Repair, a Belchertown business, clearly calls for a response from the Select Board, if not a “stance,” as this obviously “pertains” to Belchertown.
Ellie Cook
Northampton