State Ethics Commission cites Ware police chief

BOSTON — The State Ethics Commission issued a public education letter Wednesday to Ware Police Chief Shawn Crevier after finding reasonable cause to believe Crevier violated the conflict of interest law by using his official position and public resources to advocate against and rally opposition to proposed gun law reform legislation through a series of posts on the Ware Police Department’s Facebook page.

In July 2023, Crevier had a Ware Police Department administrative officer draft a statement opposing a gun law reform bill then pending in the Massachusetts House, reviewed it, and directed the officer to post it to the WPD Facebook page. The statement, signed “Ware PD,” challenged the bill’s constitutionality, decried the creation of gun-free zones, and encouraged people to connect with gun rights organizations to oppose the bill.

Later that summer and into the fall, Crevier had the WPD administrative officer draft and post to the WPD Facebook page three additional statements opposing the House bill and a similar Senate bill. The statements encouraged people to advocate against the bills, which they characterized as “treasonous” and “seditious,” and referenced the opposition of a private organization of law enforcement officials of which Crevier was a member. Cumulatively, the posts were shared several thousand times.

Open Space Committee to hold ‘Re-imagine’ fundraiser

GOSHEN — The Goshen Open Space Committee and The Williams-Boltwood House will host a Pizza & Dance Party fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m., at Goshen Town Hall, 42 Main St.

Proceeds will benefit the Re-imagine Goshen Center project and the renovation of the historic Williams-Boltwood House.

Pizza, salad and drinks, music, dance, and a raffle will be provided. A raffle drawing will be at 7:30 p.m., and winners must be present.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The cost is a suggested donation of $20 (sliding scale for kids).

To RSVP and for any questions, call Lorraine at 413-268-3660 or email reimaginegoshen01032@gmail.com.

PVPC, partners to host info sessions about U.S. HUD grant application

SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in collaboration with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Way Finders, Rural Development Inc., the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and the UMass Donahue Institute, are in the middle of hosting two public comment sessions to discuss a recent grant application.

The organizations are applying for federal Pro Housing funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) on behalf of the 69 cities and towns in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.

The first session took place Wednesday night, with the second session scheduled for Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

If awarded, the grant funding will focus on facilitating housing production plans or housing analysis in collaboration with PVPC’s 43-member municipalities. The funding may also be used in updating the regional housing and land use plans in the Pioneer Valley, and in Franklin county, in working to advance recommendations of the recently updated regional housing plan and including local housing plans and regulatory reform.

The draft proposal was expected to be posted on the PVPC website by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Public comments will be accepted for two weeks.

For more information about these sessions, please contact PVPC’s Catherine Ratté, director land use and environment department, at cratte@pvpc.org or 413-285-1174.