LONGMEADOW — Walter Gunn joined in a unanimous Planning Board vote today, apologizing for entering a resident’s backyard unannounced and for making racially insensitive remarks when confronted.
“The Longmeadow Planning Board denounces the actions of Mr. Gunn and vehemently states that his actions and statements do not reflect the sentiment of the members of the board,” reads a portion of the formal apology, which was written by board Chair Cheryl Thibodeau and endorsed by all five members at a special meeting this afternoon.
According to a complaint by Longmeadow residents Fabricio and Jill Ochoa on March 16, Gunn had entered their property around dinnertime on Jan. 7. Fabricio Ochoa said a motion-activated doorbell camera alerted him that someone was on the property. Ochoa said Gunn was on a bicycle and using a flashlight to look around.
Ochoa said Gunn identified himself as a representative of the town and said there had been a complaint about an RV parked on Ochoa’s property. Ochoa said he smelled alcohol on Gunn’s breath, and Gunn asked him if he “even spoke English” and if he was “housekeeping,” making these remarks “in a demeaning manner.”
“The encounter with Walter was both humiliating and disheartening,” Ochoa said in his complaint.
In comments after the meeting, Gunn said he “was very apologetic with what transpired that night” and “can’t explain” why he acted the way he did.
He said he has been a Planning Board member for 24 years, and often walks onto private properties that are the subject of permit requests or hearings on the board’s agenda. He said if a property owner asks him to leave, he typically does so without an altercation.
The apology issued today says all five members had reviewed Ochoa’s video recording of the incident. It says Gunn had made his “unannounced site visit” without the knowledge of other Planning Board members.
“An official acting outside the scope of authority and who makes derogatory comments erodes the trust of the citizenship in the ability of the town to uphold the rights and respect of all citizens,” the apology reads in part.
Gunn waived his right to have Friday’s hearing take place behind closed doors. During the meeting, a lawyer advised the board that it can respond to a complaint and issue a statement distancing itself from Gunn’s actions, but it cannot “discipline” an elected official as though he were their employee.
“This is the first time anything like this has ever happened,” said Planning Board member Bruce Colton.
In a Feb. 27 email included in the Ochoas’ formal complaint, provided to The Republican by the town, Thibodeau told Jill Ochoa that board members “hold no power or authority outside of a publicly posted meeting,” and made a similar point that Planning Board members are answerable to town voters.
Gunn’s current five-year term is slated to expire in 2026.
