By Teresa O’Brient

Carole, thank you for the interview with Patrick White. Many folks like myself were wondering how such an abrupt circumstance could have come about and the interview helped bring understanding to a surprising development! The thing that stood out for me was the mention of leadership and how much it matters. I know from my own experience running a small business, along with my time as a young person working for a large corporation, as well as my long years of volunteer work, that the same organization (which really means the same people) can have vastly different outcomes when leadership lays the groundwork for the spirit of cooperation and professionalism. This type of leadership affects productivity and morale and lays the groundwork for creative, best outcomes. Hopefully, our town leaders will recognize the truth of this, because if they do, everyone in Stockbridge will benefit.

Editor’s note: Thank you for sharing with us. O’Brient had a very successful experience in a leadership role. On her watch, under her guidance, the impossible was made possible without muss or fuss or battles. The result is Old Town Hall reclaimed and restored on time and below budget. Even in these times of sharp divisions there are things that transcend and please us all — Berkshire Waldorf High School is one example.