Candidate Statement: Christine Hoyt for Adams Selectman
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Christine Hoyt is running for a three-year seat on the Adams Board of Selectmen. The election is Monday, May 1, at the Town Garage.
Adams is a special place. I first came to learn just how special it is when I moved to town in 2006. My husband, Pete, and I were looking for a place to call home after moving to Massachusetts from central New York. I distinctly remember having lunch on Park Street on a Saturday afternoon to discuss houses we had visited. We saw people and families out walking and enjoying the beauty of the Berkshires. As we strolled down the sidewalk with Mount Greylock in the distance, we knew we had made the right decision to buy our home in Adams. Since then, Pete and I have branched out joining community organizations and commissions, both in Adams, as well as throughout the County.
In 2008, I had the opportunity to participate in the Berkshire Leadership Program with 25 other wonderful community-minded people from throughout the region. The program opened my eyes to the challenges and opportunities that other Berkshire communities were seeing and allowed me to make connections in my newfound home. Shortly after I completed the program, I was looking for an opportunity to contribute my time to a cause in Adams. That is when I found Youth Center Inc., where I’ve been volunteering for over eight years, seven of which I served as board chair. I am passionate about ensuring that there are positive, healthy programming opportunities for our youth.
My community passions have led me to become a member of the ProAdams board, a Town Meeting Member for Precinct 1, and a representative of the Economic Development Commission in Adams. In addition to volunteer opportunities in Adams, I am also a member of the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Board of Directors and 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Leadership Program Steering Committee.
Having spent seven years with the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the past three years at Berkshire Community College in the Workforce Development and Community Education office, I have worked with a number of businesses — small and large — about their needs and their plans. There is a lot of potential and a lot of success stories among our 200+ local businesses. With a near-full corporate park and developments on Park Street, Hoosac Street, and Summer Street, it will be important to continue to support them, celebrate their milestones, and tell their success stories in order to attract more businesses to Adams. While the work is ongoing, I want to see to it that the progress continues. And, I believe I can help do that.
In 2015, Adams entered into a townwide Strategic Planning process. At each of the four meetings held, I joined the 40-60 people who gathered on Saturday mornings to talk about what they would like to see as the future of our town. I was encouraged and enthusiastic about the energy that was in the room as we discussed economic development, strengthening downtown, housing stock, natural environment, arts and cultural activity, and effective town government. Not only would I like to see that plan released, I also want to be at the table with the Select Board and Town Administrator, rolling up my sleeves to implement the strategies and actions as outlined by my neighbors.
Although I see a lot of opportunity and a positive outlook when it comes to my community, I also know that Adams is not without its challenges. Our regional school district is facing transition; we are trying to maintain town services while looking to stabilize our tax rate; and we need to address infrastructure needs. Now, more than ever, it is critical that the leadership in Adams seek balanced, sensible solutions to these and other important issues while also ensuring that the town is a welcoming place for businesses, residents, families and visitors. I am eager to participate in the conversations necessary to find solutions.
One of the reasons I chose to run for Selectman was because of my collaborative nature and my ability and experience developing strong local, regional, and state relationships. Now, more than ever, Adams needs to create and maintain meaningful partnerships. Although I may have informed opinions about what our town needs, my collaborative and thoughtful approach to decision-making, as well as tenacity for consistency and attention to detail, will be strengths I can bring to the Board of Selectman. This is an important election for Adams. I believe that my professional career, volunteer experiences, and connection to this community, paired with my optimism, has prepared me to work hard for Adams.
In 2006, I chose Adams; I, now, humbly ask Adams to choose me on Monday, May 1.
Those interested in learning more about Hoyt's campaign can contact her at hoytforadams@gmail.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hoytforadams.
Tags: election 2017,
