The Reading Post accepts Letters to the Editor. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or refuse letters. Letters containing hearsay, rumors, personal attacks, name-calling, or anything that could be considered defamation, slander, or libel will not be published. The Reading Post reserves the right to end debate on a topic after both sides have had ample chance to express their views. All letters are posted as received, unless otherwise noted. All letters are subject to editing for style, mechanics, and grammar. editor@thereadingpost.com
The massive “No Kings” rallies Saturday made it clear that Americans, including many local officials, feel appropriate alarm at the violent, anti-constitutional practices of federal agents in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
Yet when the subject came up at the recent Select Board forum only Karen Herrick and Tony d’Arezzo hinted at any concern and expressed desire to do something proactive about how Reading would respond to ICE agents in Reading. Carlo Bacci was dismissive; Sal Bramante was deferential.
What could happen here? It’s best to be prepared for anything, whether its ICE agents using Memorial Park as a staging area or resources inside public buildings. The town has other emergency plans in place which I hope will never be used, but I am thankful to town leadership for establishing them for the safety and well-being of residents.
Cities and towns across the state including Needham, Swampscott, Plymouth, Falmouth, and Leverett, are working on policies. The Falmouth Select Board recently voted to direct Town Counsel to draft language that would prohibit ICE from entering town buildings. Last July, Leverett Select Board members voted unanimously to adopt a policy stating that there shall be no participation in ICE activities by town officials.
Several months ago, the Reading Select Board, at a meeting, stated that setting policies for the Town that are consistent with community goals and needs was one of their most important jobs. I believe it is important to establish a policy if ICE were in Reading, and attempted to take over a park, detain citizens, or interfere with a protest. After all, there is an ICE detention center in Burlington.
When asked about this at the forum, Mr. Bacci stated, “I fully trust our law enforcement… I don’t foresee this happening. I don’t appreciate federal related questions to our local government. I don’t see ICE ever coming here. And if they did, I’m guessing there was a reason… I’ve seen it on national TV. I fully support our public safety officers and Chief Clark to do the right thing.”
Ms. Herrick stated, “I actually brought this topic up to the Select Board. I’ve had more than one resident ask me what our policy is going to be… So, the reason I asked the Select Board, this is a policy decision, and yes, the Police Chief has a strong role in a policy decision, but this is absolutely a topic the Select Board should take up because I would rather have a policy in place… and determine how we respond… rather than say ‘oh, it’s never going to happen to us’ when in fact it’s happening to communities all around us…I hope we don’t have to face this issue, but good policy-making is identifying a potential threat to our community and being prepared to deal with it.”
That is the proper response. Ms. Herrick is intelligent, prepared, pro-active and engaged. She and Mr. D’Arezzo have my votes for Select Board.
Jeffrey Dietz
10 Orchard Park Drive
