Sandra Thomas Stepping Down As Head of Images

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Images Cinema's longtime executive director, Sandra Thomas, will be resigning from her position at the nonprofit cinema as soon as a replacement director can be found.

After 12 years on the job, a time that has seen Images grow in budget, membership and programming, Thomas said she is ready to turn her attention to other interests.

She plans to stay in the area and continue her involvement with the Williamstown Film Festival, as well as pursue her passion for local food initiatives in Berkshire County.

"I also look forward to going to the movies and supporting Images," she said.
Thomas said she felt it was a good time to pull herself away from a job she loves.

"The decision to step down as executive director was a difficult one to make but one that is right for me at this point in time," she said. "Membership is at an all-time high, the staff is strong and knowledgeable, the community's enthusiasm is palpable, and someone new coming in can take the cinema to the next level."

Thomas also feels proud of other important recent accomplishments under her directorship: the renovation of the theater, the switch to digital projection, and the addition of the marquee on Spring Street.

John Strachan, president of Images' board of directors, said he is sorry to see Thomas go.

"In many ways, Sandra has come to stand for Images," he said. "We wish we could keep her forever, but we are at least thankful that she will stay in the area and continue her good work for the community and for all of North Country."

The Images board of directors is actively searching for a new executive director and hopes to have someone in place before the end of June.


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Williamstown Charter Review Panel OKs Fix to Address 'Separation of Powers' Concern

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter.
 
The committee accepted language designed to meet concerns raised by the Planning Board about separation of powers under the charter.
 
The committee's original compliance language — Article 32 on the annual town meeting warrant — would have made the Select Board responsible for determining a remedy if any other town board or committee violated the charter.
 
The Planning Board objected to that notion, pointing out that it would give one elected body in town some authority over another.
 
On Wednesday, Charter Review Committee co-Chairs Andrew Hogeland and Jeffrey Johnson, both members of the Select Board, brought their colleagues amended language that, in essence, gives authority to enforce charter compliance by a board to its appointing authority.
 
For example, the Select Board would have authority to determine a remedy if, say, the Community Preservation Committee somehow violated the charter. And the voters, who elect the Planning Board, would have ultimate say if that body violates the charter.
 
In reality, the charter says very little about what town boards and committees — other than the Select Board — can or cannot do, and the powers of bodies like the Planning Board are regulated by state law.
 
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