Belchertown Select Board Member Resigns After Family Threatened with Violence

Town resident and volunteer, Nick Pucel, has resigned from the Belchertown Select Board.

After a shocking May 2 Belchertown Select Board meeting in which Town Administrator Gary Brougham and his supporters appeared to this author to comport themselves in a most disrespectful and unruly manner, Mr. Pucel reports he was verbally accosted and his family threatened with violence by these same supporters.

Here is Mr. Pucel's statement, in part:

"It is with sadness that I must submit my letter of resignation, effective immediately, following up from last night's meeting (5/2/22).

I have thick skin, but during the recess my family was threatened verbally outside of the meeting room, and in today's volatile environment I cannot take that lightly. I cannot and will not put my family in harm's way for what amounts to a volunteer position, elected or not...

Unfortunately, along with the folks that were there to share things with us and have conversations with the board; violence was invited in as well. I pray that this person finds peace someday.

I'll continue to coordinate the community food pantry in town and volunteer my time where/when it is safe to do so for the sake of my children."

It is Lady Belchertown's opinion that during this meeting, Town Administrator Gary Brougham, by his own disrespectful and obstinate behavior, helped to stoke the fires of anger that led to the threats of violence against Mr. Pucel and his family. 

Will Mr. Brougham release a statement condemning the reported threats of violence? 

Would such a statement from Brougham even be genuine, given his behavior? 

Lady Belchertown doubts it.

After witnessing this debacle, Lady Belchertown is confident that the Select Board made the correct decision in not renewing Gary Brougham's contract for an additional year, which expires in October.