LEYDEN — Following through on a campaign promise to ensure western Massachusetts residents don’t feel left out of the political conversation, the state attorney general swung by the northern Franklin County town of Leyden this week.

Andrea Joy Campbell spoke inside Town Hall for about an hour, fielding questions from members of the public and providing as much detail as possible regarding the state investigation into town affairs.

“I’m here today,” she told the roughly 35 attendees. “But I’m going to keep coming back.”

Resident Trish Saline stood up to vent to Campbell about “the 28 years of us getting raked over the coals,” referencing what she described as local police corruption.

“These people really ravaged this town and they have not been held accountable. I would like to know why,” she said, referring to the Police Department.

“We are in conversation with the Inspector General’s Office — more to come on that,” Campbell replied. “There’s another agency involved. … We will circle back on this. I understand you’re looking for justice, accountability. I completely understand.”

Campbell predicted the two agencies would finish their reviews in a couple of months. While Campbell did not specify the subject of those reviews, the personal possession of surplus military equipment by former longtime Police Chief Dan Galvis has been the subject of controversy in town.

Galvis was found to have been in possession of equipment Leyden received through the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Program, which transfers excess military equipment to nonmilitary law enforcement agencies.

In other matters, Campbell addressed a question about the soaring costs of lifesaving medications.

“I know many people that require medications to stay alive and they cannot afford to buy them. This has got to stop,” Saline said. “They desperately need this help. It’s no joke. They’re dying.”

Campbell also spoke about what she described as her office’s commitment to preserving access to health care and protecting LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights.

She also said there is mental health epidemic and housing crisis in this country and her job “is about representing people who feel left out.”

She pledged to continue to not let western Massachusetts be forgotten.

“Every time I come out to western Mass. … I don’t want to leave,” she said. “I get that we are a Boston-centric state, and we are working to change that.”

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.]]>