HADLEY — Pledging to treat everyone who comes before the board with fairness, members of the town Planning Board expressed regret for what some have criticized as racist comments made by a board member at a meeting earlier in March.
Following a brief executive session at Tuesday’s meeting, Chairman James Maksimoski said it was unfortunate that member John Mieczkowski’s comments, in which he made a reference to the Indian heritage of an applicant and advised the applicant not to bring camels to the next meeting, would give the appearance that planners might not offer fair hearings to applicants.
“This is not who we are,” Maksimoski said. “We have no other comments, that’s it.”
The board voted 4-0, with Mieczkowski abstaining, to enter the executive session to “discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer.”
As the meeting began, Mieczkowski made a statement expressing contrition for what he said about the people planning to open a repair garage in North Hadley.
“If somebody’s offended, I apologize to you,” Mieczkowski said. “In my heart, there’s no intention for wrongdoing.”
He added his only mission is to work hard on behalf of residents and to save taxpayers money and that he is always available for people who want to speak with him, whether in agreement on issues or not.
“Everybody has a right to their opinion,” Mieczkowski said.
Mieczkowski, who is running for reelection to the five-year seat, faces a write-in challenge from resident Mark Dunn at the April 9 election. Mieczkowski is also seeking election to the Select Board against incumbents David J. Fill II and John Waskiewicz.
Dunn was among those at the meeting observing the proceedings, as was Vira Douangmany Cage of Amherst, a member of the state’s Asian American Commission.
Only one public comment was made related to the March 5 comments. That came from Nicole Blum of River Drive, who said Mieczkowski’s words were inappropriate.
“What was said was very offensive and was very racist,” Blum said.
“We don’t do jokes like that anymore,” she added. “Those days are gone.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
