Live on the Lake: Patrick Takes Questions in Pittsfield

By Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
01:55AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2009

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Marie Cowell, right, talks to the governor about cuts to DDS and how it's affected her son James, at left, and daughter Shannon, behind her.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Marie Cowell and her "posse" arrived at Onota Lake on Tuesday night with a single question for Gov. Deval Patrick — but when the moment came, her emotions overwhelmed her.

The Pittsfield resident's two children James and Shannon had been receiving outreach services through Berkshire Family and Individual Resources until July 1 when budget cuts kicked in at the Department of Developmental Services.

"Can you say no more cuts for persons with disabilities?" she asked Patrick, her voice breaking into sobs.

"I get it. I know how important services are for James and for other children," said the governor. However, he said, the economic downturn had forced billions in cuts beginning last fall. "Everything in this budget has taken a hit.

"We're at a place where we have to think of different ways to deliver some services."

"We really need support," responded Cowell, apologizing for her tears. "You really need help to raise children like this."

It was an emotional moment in a town hall meeting dominated by discussion over wind turbines and zebra mussels.

The gathering at the Controy Pavilion on Onota Lake was the first of two public meetings the governor is holding in the Berkshires. The second is set for Thursday at 6:30 at the Discover the Berkshires Visitors Center in Adams.

The Berkshires erratic weather cooperated on Tuesday night with a cool breeze from the lake slicing through the muggy heat. More than a 100 people settled into chairs, around picnic tables or on the grassy lawn. Numbered cards were handed out five at a time to questioners — with more than a few "piggybacked" by people with similar questions.

The governor answers questions on wind turbine siting in the state

At least a half-dozen people weighed in on the state's findings for siting wind turbines in the Berkshires. The state has identified a number of areas that may be suitable for wind power, many in Berkshire County. Nick Thielker of Friends of Mount Everett urged more action on turbines: "I see wind farms everywhere. I feel so left out in Massachusetts."

Bobbie Hallig of South Egremont, a board member of Berkshire Natural Resources, said far more could be achieved through conservation and solar and photovoltaic energy. Cutting access roads and clearing for turbines would do more harm than good, she said.

"I do not want your legacy to be destroying these Berkshire Hills, so I worry about you to," she told the governor.

Patrick reiterated his support for the Cape Wind project on the coast and the need for alternative energy.

"We are going to have to get beyond our dependence on foreign oil," he said, but added "I don't think wind turbines are always right or always wrong."

Two groups — from Richmond Pond and the Lake Onota Preservation Agency — asked for more help in keeping their waterways clear of zebra mussels. An infestation of the tiny creatures were discovered in Laurel Lake in Lee last month, prompting towns and recreation groups to call for the shutdown of boat ramps at their lakes and ponds. The Department of Fish and Game's "response to that has been less than overwhelming," said Robert W. Race of LOPA.

Concerned Citizens of Russell are fighting the construction of a biomass plant in their town.

In this case, the governor turned the conversation over to Fish & Game Commissioner Mary B. Griffin, who said her department is formulating an action plan. Three new boat ramp inspectors have been added recently for Western Mass. but the division has had to balance recreational uses with the spread of mussels. "We're doing everything we can."

The governor also spoke with a contingent from Russell protesting against the construction of a biomass generation plant there, his plans for a jobs summit this fall, incoming stimulus funding, health care and how a creative economy developer can find support.

Linda Casella of Adams told the governor through a sign language interpreter that the deaf in Western Mass. have difficulty accessing the services they need twice over — from their condition and from their location. "Communication keeps us apart."

Linda Casella tells the governor 'don't you run away' after he offers to set up a meeting for her with state officials.

He also promised the nearly dozen members of the deaf community, some of whom had traveled from Springfield, that he would get the commissioner for the deaf and hard of hearing out to Western Mass. to meet with them. If possible, he would join the discussion himself.

Cowell, meanwhile, was sure she got her point across. And somewhat embarrassed that she broke into tears. "Don't worry about it," said her daughter. Cowell is proud of her children. James, 24, is Global Messenger for Special Olympics and self-advocate; Shannon, 21, graduated from high school this year and will be taking classes at Berkshire Community College.

BFAIR has been a big factor in their success, she said, providing them with outlets for socialization and helping them navigate a world outside their home. Mussels and turbines may be important but "this is about human beings."

"It may seem very small but it's big. It's really big to us."

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