Wilmington Criticizes Muni Association For Supporting Police Bill

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington town leaders criticized a state municipal group for endorsing police reform legislation without consulting the town's representatives.

The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) director Geoffrey Beckwith's endorsement of state house and senate police reform bills. The two bills, which limit qualified immunity and ban chokeholds, among other measures, are currently in conference between the two chambers.

Board Chair Jonathan Eaton noted that Beckwith had not reached out to town representatives, including the selectmen and the town manager, before making those endorsements.

"I do not appreciate the MMA leveraging our membership to advocate a policy it did not care to discuss with us beforehand," Eaton said. "This board in recent months have been very supportive of Wilmington Police Department."

The five selectmen praised the department and criticized Beckwith's actions. The board voted to have Town Manager Jeffrey Hull send two letters: one to the police department, reiterating the town's support, and one to Beckwith, asking to seek feedback from members before taking stances on legislation affecting municipalities.

The association provides resources to towns and advocates on their behalf. Eaton noted that typically advocacy follows membership votes on issues.

The letter to Beckwith is available here while the full meeting can be viewed here, via WCTV.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.