There are several seats open on Stockbridge committees, commissions, and boards. They are elected positions, but there are no contested races. It appears that there is a competitive race for Planning Board but there is not. While there are two people running, there are two seats available. It means that there are no competitive races.  This year, our representatives are self-selected and not actually chosen by the voters.

One position on the Board of Assessors has no willing candidate. Before election day, a write-in candidate may emerge. If not, then one could be appointed by a combined effort of the Select Board and the Board of Assessors.

It is gratifying that there are still some folks willing to serve – just not enough.  Add the number of people who were hired, elected, or volunteered to work in our Town and then quit – walked away – and we might want to better understand why so many are opting out of working for Stockbridge.

Once our races were competitive.  Once Stockbridge was run by about 100 volunteers. Now? Not so much. Maybe there may be reasons we can identify and fix.  Are the reasons related to fewer people attending and speaking at meetings?

Recently, the Select Board (SB) established a committee to discuss the possibility of expanding the SB from 3 to 5 members. Part of the conversation might be an investigation of why so few are willing to serve in any capacity.  A correct diagnosis of the problem is the first step in solving it.  We need to figure it out and fix it – if we can.   It may be less important how many seats are available than how many people are willing to run for the seats.

Carole Owens

Executive Editor