Barney Edmonds pointed out a quote from The Stockbridge Story published in 1989 on the 250th anniversary of the town. John Beacco, then Chair of the Select Board, was asked to write an answer to the question: what will Stockbridge be like in the 21st century?

Well, here we are in the 21st Century, how did Chairman Beacco do? He wrote:

There are more reasons for optimism than for despair as we approach the year 2000. First, we are blessed with an enlightened and involved citizenry committed to preserving our residential village. It is ever vigilant to any attempt to alter the direction and ambiance charted for us so very long ago. This communal attitude manifests itself in the carefully constructed, strict bylaws which reflect our values and future. Not only is it in place, but it is consistently revalued to eliminate areas of weakness that could be exploited. But a bylaw…is useless without leadership confident and courageous to implement it. Over the years, Stockbridge has been very fortunate to have selectmen, planning boards, conservation committees, and zoning boards of appeal willing to make difficult, altruistic decisions.

From a distance of 35 years, Beacco called our bylaws strict and carefully constructed. Moreover, he explained why they were worded and focused as they were, that is, to preserve our residential village. 

In the intervening years, towns around us mushroomed. As their density increased, so did their taxes, so did the expense and complexity of governing, while the charm, personality, and livability decreased.

Stockbridge did well. Its tax rate is down, property values are up, and the beauty of Stockbridge is intact. Even so, some call for revamping our bylaws. Perhaps we might first read and understand them — their purpose and manner of achieving it. Then we might make our New Years Resolution.

Beacco cautioned it takes courage and confidence to enforce the bylaws. In recent years lawyers and lawsuits made it even harder than in 1989. Still…

Let’s acknowledge the difficulty of enforcing our bylaws. Let’s appreciate those on the line doing the job. Let’s support them in their efforts made on our collective behalf, and

Be it resolved: let’s enforce our bylaws.

Carole Owens< br />Executive Editor