Recall bid makes its way into Easthampton city hall

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - An effort to recall Don Cykowski has made its way into Easthampton's city hall.  The embattled city councilor first came into council when he filled a vacancy in 2004.  Since, he’s served four two-year terms and has been part of two subcommittees.

His public service legacy has been tainted by reports of inappropriate behavior towards women.  And after last December’s public blunder , the city official is now being asked to leave; by some of the same people who voted him into office.

But for Theodora Soja, Don Cykowski is more than a public official; he's a neighbor.

“He lived next door to my mother and father and they always thought he [has] a nice family.  He was nice, courteous, and I found him the same way,” said Soja on Payson Avenue Monday morning.

However, a petition signed by more than 500 city residents, filed at the city clerk's office last Thursday, tells a different story. Namely, that of a man many say shouldn't represent the Easthampton community. 

“Yes, I think he should just leave,” said Nancy Valenta of Easthampton.  And Joseph Sadowski who lives in neighboring Holyoke agreed. “Mr. Cykowski let his mouth precede his brain,” said Sadowski.  

Easthampton City Clerk Barbara LaBombard told 22News the city charter outlines that 400 signatures must be certified by the city clerk before an affidavit is filed. 

If the needed signatures come from registered voters a petition for a recall will then be issued. And that bid needs to be backed by 2,236 registered voters, 20% of the voters in Easthampton’s five precincts, before it reaches council chambers.

“He's a good guy he's good for the community he should be kept,” said Kazimierz Moszynski in Easthampton Monday afternoon. 

LaBombard says if the signatures are certified, those behind the petition will have 21 days to gather the more than 2,000 signatures.