By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-999131.mp3
Springfield, MA – A civil rights leader says he's had positive talks with the new president of the city council in Easthampton Massachusetts.. A dialogue over race relations may come about as a result of an offensive comment made by an elected official during a public meeting.. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
The Easthampton City Council passed a unanimous resolution this week stating it does not condone or tolerate any form of discrimination. The vote came after a demand by the Springfield Branch of the NAACP that the council censure one of its own, City Councilor Donald Cykowski for a comment he made that was criticized as demeaning to Puerto Ricans.
Springfield NAACP president, Rev. Talbert Swann called the resolution commendable, and he said he applauded the council's vote.
The comment that touched off the furor came at the December 7th meeting of the Easthampton City Council. When someone was unable to enter the meeting room because a door was locked, Cykowski, referring to the locked door said Where's the Puerto Ricans when we need one.. The meeting was recorded..
At a meeting two weeks later, Cykowski , reportedly at the urging of his colleages, said..qoute..I made a statement, If I offended anyone, I apologize"
An Easthampton resident, in an online petition calling for Cykowski's resignation, questioned the sincerity of the apology. Lauren Marcous wrote that Cykowski had essentially apologized for other people misunderstanding him and not for the racist statement he made. 143 people have signed the petition as of today.
Cykowski has said he will not resign. He was quoted telling reporters I thought my apology was enough. He's declined to comment further. And, according to Swan Cykowski has also not responded to requests to meet with members of the Latino community.
Swann said he met with the Easthampton City Council president Justin Cobb to talk about ways the city of Easthampton can underscore its commitment to diversity. Cobb said he and Swann are on the same page.
Cobb said he is trying to focus on the future.
Cobb said the Easthampton City Council has no power to censure or remove its members. An elected official can be removed through a formal recall process that is spelled out in Easthampton's charter. It says a recall effort can not begin before the elected official has served six months of the current term. Cykowski began his fourth term on the council earlier this week.