Letter: Support Ken Kuttner for Planning Board

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

We are so blessed to have two thoughtful, dedicated community members running for the open Planning Board seat. I'm writing to share my support for Ken Kuttner because of the vision and approach he will bring to the planning board at this time.

The Planning Board has proposed zoning changes that are meant to address the need for more inclusive housing in Williamstown, a need embraced by both candidates. In Ken's "meet the candidate" video (on his website along with a lot more about Ken), he does a great job of explaining that — while he supports the planning board proposals to increase density in general residence — there are better, more creative and more impactful ways to increase housing access in RR2, that include good planning principles such as cluster development, protection of open space, and avoiding sprawl.

Please read more about Ken and what he will bring to the planning board on his website, where you can also see his candidate statement and watch the League of Women Voters forum with both candidates. Whatever happens, I hope you will attend Town Meeting on May 17, and be part of the comprehensive plan process for creating and achieving an inclusive vision for our community.

And, don't forget to VOTE Tuesday, May 10, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Williamstown Elementary School gymnasium, 115 Church St.

Wendy Penner
Williamstown, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2022,   


If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Mount Greylock Committee Accepts ARPA Offer, Sets Vote on Latin

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Mount Greylock Regional School Committee on Thursday moved forward with a proposal to fund a consultant with about $66,000 of Williamstown's American Rescue Plan Act funds.
 
Meanwhile, it held off on a decision about whether to resuscitate the middle-high school's Latin program, scheduling a special meeting for Tuesday, June 18, to make that call.
 
The 4-0-1 vote on the DEI consultant work came after the Select Board earlier in the week affirmed its support for the idea, which was brought to both the town and school district by parents concerned about the school district's policies about and response to "bias-based, hate, bullying and Title IX incidents."
 
The parents are asking the district to hire a consultant to review the district's current policies and how it measures progress in making the schools more equitable and inclusive. The parents group also hope the consultant can advise the district on its communications practices, hiring and retention of staff and implementation of restorative justice.
 
"The deliverables from this review should include actionable best practices updates to policies and protocols and sustainable recommendations for measurable change," according to a memo from the parents to the School Committee.
 
Interim Superintendent Joseph Bergeron, who has consulted with the parents group, told the School Committee that the next step following Thursday's vote would be to assemble a committee to draft a request for proposals to find a consultant.
 
In the meantime, Bergeron said, the district would not wait for the consultant but continue to do its own internal review of its policies and procedures to address concerns raised by, among others, the district's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging/Parent Caregiver Action Network.
 
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories