MAYOR DANIEL M. KNAPIK
WESTFIELD – A state Ethics Commission investigator requested
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik to provide information pertaining to a social reception hosted by the mayor during the Big E’s Westfield Day event last fall.
Knapik posted information yesterday on his Facebook account about the Ethics Commission investigation of a possible violation by elected officials and public employees for failing to report that they accepted gifts of food and beverages valued at $50 or more.
“I spoke with the ethics investigation for about a half hour who was investigating an anonymous complaint,” Knapik said this morning. “I answered all of her questions to the best of my ability.
“In theory, any elected officials or public employee could be in violation for accepting the food and beverages at that party if they have a value of more than $50,” Knapik said. “The violation is for accepting something valued at $50 or more that they received only because of their status as a public official.”
“I take it very seriously, not just for Westfield, but for all officials who attended the state and city day events, which could be in jeopardy,” Knapik said.
Knapik said he does not know who contacted the Ethics Commission, or the specific basis of the complaint, but noted that any decision finding him to be in violation could have a wide-ranging impact because the Big E funds mayoral receptions for most other surrounding communities. That impact could extend to the Governor’s office because of the Big E-funded reception during Massachusetts Day.
“After asking questions about a paid event for public officials and employees, she asked if the Big E does business with any of the communities involved in the reception events,” Knapik said. “Westfield does not do business with the Big E, but West Springfield, and possibly Agawam, do because of payment in lieu of taxes.”
Ward 4 Councilor Mary O’Connell was unavailable for comment for this article but she did comment in an article published last fall about the list of invitees to the mayor’s reception.
The Westfield News reported in that Sept. 13, 2013 article that O’Connell had filed a Freedom of Information Act request for information from Knapik regarding a social gathering the mayor was sponsoring at the Big E on Westfield Day.
O’Connell said that the Big E has sponsored a Westfield Day “forever” and that the mayors in office over the years have taken a “non-partisan” approach to inviting all elected officials, city officers and many residents to a social gathering held that day.
“I did not get an invitation this year and I called the Big E to see if it was an oversight,” O’Connell said for that article. “I was told that it was not a mistake.”
O’Connell contacted Knapik asking to be added to the list of invitees. Knapik declined that request based on the policy of inviting people who attended the previous year.
At-large Councilor Brian Sullivan said this morning that the ethics violation complaint “is a sad day for both the Big E and local communities.”
“Regardless of whatever decision comes out of this investigation by the Ethics Commission, this will have a chilling impact on future participation by the entire city, the Boys and Girls Club and Westfield High School marching band, as well as other organizations which march in the parade,” Sullivan said.
He said the Mayor’s Reception is a special event “because every year they recognize an outstanding resident for their contribution, usually through volunteerism, to the community as that year’s representative at Westfield Day.”
“It’s unfortunate that someone’s personal agenda is effecting a feel-good day for all of the kids and residents of our community,” Sullivan said.
