Greenfield Mayor’s Controversial Police Chief Reinstatement Divides Community Ahead of Election
Greenfield, a city in Massachusetts, is currently facing a divisive issue that has become a defining factor in the upcoming mayoral election. In 2022, Mayor Roxann Wedegartner reinstated Robert Haigh as the chief of the Greenfield Police Department, despite a civil case where a jury found him guilty of discriminating against a Black officer by denying him a promotion. This decision has sparked ongoing controversy and protests within the community.
Residents in Greenfield were quick to voice their disagreement with Mayor Wedegartner’s decision to reinstate Haigh, leading to calls for a vote of no confidence against both the mayor and the police chief. Although the attempt to hold a no-confidence vote was expected to fail, the issue has only further fueled tensions in the community. In September 2022, the Greenfield City Council tabled the idea of auditing the Police Department, adding to the ongoing controversy.
Amidst this turmoil, Mayor Wedegartner faces re-election this November, and one city councilor, Virginia DeSorgher, has challenged her for the seat. The civil discrimination suit, the reinstatement of the police chief, and Mayor Wedegartner’s decision-making have all become significant talking points in the mayoral campaign. DeSorgher, in an interview, criticized the mayor’s actions, stating that they demonstrated a total lack of good judgment. She further emphasized the need for integrity, listening to the concerns of the people, and telling the truth.
DeSorgher, a former emergency room nurse and clinical coordinator, brings a strong background in math and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the community. She raises concerns about Mayor Wedegartner’s budget proposal for fiscal 2024, which cut $1.2 million from the Greenfield School Committee while increasing spending in other areas. The people are worried about the impact on education, specifically about adequate funding for schools, teachers’ salaries, and maintaining music, arts, and sports programs.
In response to the growing distrust and criticism, Mayor Wedegartner described the push for a no-confidence vote as devastating and believes that not everyone doubts her and Chief Haigh. She acknowledges the need to regain the trust of constituents, especially in the Police Department. Wedegartner believes that the majority of residents trust the department, as they witness the police officers diligently working for public safety and performing at a high level. She highlights the significant strides taken since Haigh’s reinstatement, including changes to promotional policies and enhancing diversity within the department.
The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings will ultimately determine Chief Haigh’s fate, as the city appealed the civil case’s verdict. Meanwhile, Haigh continues to serve a three-year contract with the Greenfield Police Department. In the upcoming mayoral term, Mayor Wedegartner aims to focus on housing, expanding the city’s tax base, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. She takes a clear-eyed, results-oriented approach to her work as mayor and remains committed to the betterment of Greenfield.
As the election day approaches on Tuesday, citizens of Greenfield will have the opportunity to cast their votes and shape the future direction of their city. The controversial reinstatement of the police chief and the ensuing division within the community have amplified the significance of this mayoral race. Both candidates bring their perspectives, and it remains to be seen whether Roxann Wedegartner can regain the trust of her constituents or if Virginia DeSorgher can provide the leadership they seek.
