Home / Archive / VOL. III NO. 04 02/15/2022 / Transparency

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VOL. III NO. 04 02/15/2022

Transparency

It is important to have an informed electorate. It may be even more important in Stockbridge where folks are involved in self-governing.

It is old news that I love Stockbridge and work on Stockbridge Updates for the sole purpose of keeping us informed — an act of love for people among whom I have lived for 50 years.

I am delighted when others join me as contributors, bringing their unique views and wealth of information. It is a special treat when our school superintendent, select board members, police and fire chiefs contribute.

You can imagine my confusion when I received this…

Hi Carole,

In regards to Stockbridge Updates the Conflict of Interest law, G.L. c .268A, § 17(c) prohibits a municipal employee from acting as an agent for anyone other than the municipality regarding a matter in which the municipality has a direct and substantial interest. Thus, when an employee writes a piece at the request of another and uses their official position and work time to do so, the employee is in violation of the Conflict-of-Interest Law. It is also true that an employee who makes statements as part of their official duties is not speaking as citizens for First Amendment purposes and can be subject disciplined or terminated in response to the statements.

Michael J. Canales
Stockbridge Town Administrator
P.O. Box 417
50 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Email: TownAdministrator@stockbridge-ma.gov

The Town Administrator wrote to me in his official capacity from his official email. Why? He begins, “in regards to Stockbridge Updates“. How? Was this sent to limit the news covered by Stockbridge Updates, or limit those permitted to contribute to Stockbridge Updates?

It sounds very official and seems to imply a threat to Town workers. That doesn’t sound like Stockbridge. Communicating with the public, transparency of officialdom, a friendly and informative relationship between townsfolks and their government — that sounds like Stockbridge.

I am not a lawyer and do not know if the law referenced is applicable or accurately interpreted. I do know I want to continue to get the best information from the widest number of sources to reach the most Stockbridge folks. I know I do not want to be limited or hindered in doing so without good reason. I know I do not want to hurt anyone — certainly not our Town employees. That is all I know, but to keep Stockbridge well-informed, join me in finding out more.

For example, any town employee, appointee, or elected official can call 617-371-9500. At that number, “The State Ethics Commission… provides free advice to all public employees on the conflict of interest law… ” Read more at www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission

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Stockbridge Updates Statement of Purpose

To inform without opinion or pressure and give the people of Stockbridge the facts they need to make informed decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates Policy with Respect to Submissions

SU welcomes your letters and other submissions on all Stockbridge subjects, history and current events, news and human interest, whatever is on your mind. As with articles and opinion pieces, letters are 400 words or less, no personal attacks, and always attach your name. SU does not include personal information and will delete telephone numbers, email addresses, post office boxes, and street addresses. Limit one submission per month.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates: Format

SU is attempting to present a consistent format for readers. SU begins with its Table of Contents. The SU Editorial is next and then the News. News is divided between one-time events, such as the election and events around town, and recurring reporting, such as the Notes from… section. It is called Notes from… because SU attends the town meetings, takes notes, and reports what happened. If SU has a comment or question, it is at the end of the meeting identified as Editor’s Comment or Editor’s Question. The next section is Contributors. Under contributors, you may find Stockbridge history, opinion pieces, or information from a Committee Chair or elected official. Our final section is Reader to Reader, our letter section. The issue closes with the SU Statement of Purpose and Policy for Contributors. We welcome all letter writers and contributors; deadline on the 10th for the issue posted on the 15th of the month and on the 26th for the issue posted on the first.

Your Submissions Welcome!

Submit comments, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor to carole@stockbridgeupdates.com

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carole@stockbridgeupdates.com