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Dear Carole,
We raised our 2 sons in town. My husband had his practice in town, and our family has participated in town events and committees for 40 years. I always thought Stockbridge led the pack in propriety and civility. Never have I encountered the disgraceful, and frankly frightening malevolence displayed by a single man as he unabashedly tries to disparage those who differ from his views with misleading and dishonest pamphlets and emails. Not only does he show complete disrespect for legitimate candidates and civil servants who have worked hard for this town, he repeatedly attempts to alienate them by stamping them as a “cabal” or “group of 16”, as though they had some evil plot to take over the town. This is Trumpian politics at its worst.
For the sake of democracy, vote for civility and decency: Gary Pitney and Carl Sprague.
Barbara Kenny
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Elect Pitney and Sprague to Stockbridge Planning Board
With town elections nearing and four candidates running for two seats on the Planning Board, Stockbridge voters may want to reflect on what they value about living in our town. Our current zoning bylaws support the rural character of the town outskirts with a focused business district; this helps maintain property values, our healthy municipal finances, natural resources and scenic beauty. Our zoning has made Stockbridge a desirable place to live. Gary Pitney and Carl Sprague understand this.
Carl, as founder and chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, has saved many historic properties in recent decades. This work involves research, patience and diplomacy. He is also an artist who designs and builds movie sets. His understanding of the town and visual sensibility are critically important at this juncture if Stockbridge is to retain the qualities that make it unique. Carl is committed to preserving affordability for seniors and young people. Bringing the next generation into our planning process and expediting our meetings and discussions are important priorities.
Gary brings much needed experience, balance and moderation to the Planning Board. His work is characterized by civility, knowledge and respect for open process and applicable laws. When he was chair of the Planning Board, administrative matters were handled efficiently. His skillful use of tact and humor was invaluable.
Respect for the history of Stockbridge and its zoning is especially important now because a new zoning bylaw being drafted by the Planning Board with the claim that it will protect open space has major flaws. It leaves expansion of subdivision density on the outskirts to Planning Board discretion — a significant departure from current law that can lead to suburbanization, sprawl and higher taxes for everyone. We need experience and a visual sensibility on the Planning Board. You will find these qualities, and more, in Gary Pitney and Carl Sprague.
Kate Fletcher
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Marking my Ballot for Mark Mills
Our community can kick and scream, but when federal and state courts make decisions, they change the way local decisions are made. One long-standing legal principle is that property owners have rights, including the right to develop their land.
Development must comply with laws and regulations to protect the town’s health and safety, but to think that somehow Stockbridge can “just say no” to development is foolhardy.
One person running for election to the Stockbridge Planning Board has demonstrated the ability to research best practices, analyze facts and make decisions on complex project applications. THAT PERSON IS MARK MILLS.
He understands smart growth principles and the importance of adopting zoning bylaws that will maintain the rural character of Stockbridge that we cherish. Mark is concerned that the town’s mostly two and four-acre zoning will lead to the construction of more million-dollar homes scattered across the countryside, mostly occupied by non-residents.
Mark favors zoning that will protect open space while providing a range of housing choices that can attract Berkshire-based families and provide options to local seniors who want to downsize but stay in Stockbridge.
Stockbridge has almost 100 parcels that are over twenty acres. What will happen to them? Stockbridge needs to channel future development in ways that benefit the town, not merely accept what the marketplace imposes on us. Mark understands the winning formula that we need, and that’s why I’m Mark(ing) my ballot for Mills.
Christine Rasmussen
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Dear Carole,
Recent issues of Stockbridge Updates laid out candidates’ positions. Thank you! Here are my choices.
Don Chabon for Select Board.
I recommend Don’s website (https://donforstockbridge.godaddysites.com) to learn about his record as a past Selectman and to get a sense of his vision for the future. I have visited many political websites and Don’s is one of the most engaging. He bares his soul. Don is the right person for Select Board. He’s hard working, experienced, understands the need for transparency, open meeting laws, ethics, and Massachusetts General Laws. Don has the courage of his convictions and I respect his commitment.
Gary Pitney for Planning Board.
Gary has been an exemplary Planning Board Chair and Member. I believe one would be hard pressed to find residents who appeared before the Planning Board and left without admiration and gratitude that Gary listened wisely to their application and judged fairly. He was never arbitrary, frivolous, disrespectful, or mean-spirited.
I had the honor of sitting on the Planning Board when Gary was its Chair. He showed a deep sense of fairness to applicants, fellow Board members, and the public. Moreover, Gary treats our zoning bylaws with the respect they deserve. Like a good judge, he knows the law, is compassionate, listens attentively, and is thoughtful. Best of all, he is a gentleman. Explains his decisions and never decides from prejudice, ignorance, or a hidden agenda. His votes are based on the law.
Carl Sprague for Planning Board.
I first met Carl Sprague in 2013. As Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, he conducted the meeting efficiently and dispassionately. Carl encouraged questions and made all feel welcome. Carl also made wise contributions to the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee. He has a passion for his hometown. As a professional art director and scenic designer, Carl would add aesthetic depth to the Planning Board. He is a gentleman who respects the opinions of others.
Jamie Minacci for Moderator.
Jamie chairs the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee and serves on the Conservation Committee. Jamie wants to engage more people, especially younger people, in town government. She has been active on the Stockbridge Town Democratic Committee where she was elected Secretary. Jamie cares deeply about our lack of affordable housing, inadequate housing for seniors, and the Berkshire Hills Regional School District where her children attended. As Moderator, Jamie will treat everyone equally and grant them equal opportunity to speak at Town Meeting. If she wins, she’s determined to reach out and find qualified Stockbridge women to appoint to the Finance Committee.
May 18 is election day. Don’t be silent – VOTE!
Barney Edmonds
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Dear Carole,
“Blue Ears,” the tagged Stockbridge bear, paid us a visit recently on Rattlesnake Mountain.
In the spirit of the “Rattlesnake Gang,” I got out our BB gun and let him have it. I got him once in his front leg and once in the butt as he was retreating. He won’t come back. Why do I know this? Bears have really good memories and if they find a place inhospitable to them, they stay away from that place.
Well, speaking of memories (and they say us Yankees, AKA “woodchucks,” have good memories): I recall, quite vividly, an episode where a good friend of mine was being, sort of, harassed by a relatively new neighbor to remove his 40-plus years permitted business from its headquarters off a road here in Stockbridge. It was an issue about operating a business in a residential zone in town. Well, long tale short, my friend won out because he had a permit to use his property to operate the business.
What my memory brings back so vividly is that during the hearing before the Stockbridge Zoning Board of Appeals, I couldn’t contain myself and got up to speak. I addressed the person making the complaint and said, “We live here, too, and have for a long time. We have seen new folks moving into our town because they think what we have preserved is so wonderful. That’s fine, we like it, too, as is, but our problem is that you move here and try and change here into where you came from. That just doesn’t fly and never will.”
Why do I bring this to the table now? That same person who harassed my friend and made him spend unnecessary dollars on a lawyer is running for Planning Board in Stockbridge. Make your own decision when it comes to the vote. I have. I am voting for Carl Sprague, Gary Pitney and Don Chabon.
John Hart
Dear John,
There is only one John Hart, and hopefully only one Blue Ears.
Carole
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Dear Carole,
I am voting for Don Chabon for Stockbridge Select Board.
Don Chabon has been an active member of our Stockbridge town in different ways for many years, chairing the Democratic committee, serving on the Selectboard, and the Planning Board. We are giving him our support for selectman of Stockbridge. Please consider voting for Don.
All those who serve our town in positions have my respect. I served for 15 years on the Parks and Recs Committee. These positions can sometimes be thankless and take many hours to perform the required duties; however, our town cannot run without folks being ready and willing to participate.
Don is thoughtful, smart, and his judgment is almost always spot on. Being a selectman means making some very difficult decisions at times. Don gives much thought and consideration to these decisions. He actively seeks town people’s opinions and will make choices based on what is best for our town. He understands the issues facing our town around growth and expansion and keeping our town fiscally strong.
Please give your vote to Don Chabon for Stockbridge Selectman on May 18.
Mary Hart
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your submission, and for your decades of service to Town of Stockbridge.
Carole
