Letter: Winters Right Decision for Williamstown Planning Board

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To the Editor:

This Tuesday, May 9, is election day in Williamstown. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Williamstown Elementary School. There is only one contested election this year, a five-year seat on Williamstown's Planning Board.

Contested elections in small towns are tricky things. Candidates often end up running against a neighbor or acquaintance and things can sometimes get uncomfortable. However, elections have consequences. We must approach them as dispassionately as possible, to make sure we make the right decision.

For Planning Board, the right decision is Chris Winters. Chris has served on the Planning Board for 11 years and we're delighted that someone with such deep experience is willing to serve another term. Chris has worked hard to advance the objectives in our town's Master Plan while remaining well-grounded by an understanding of the challenges our town faces. These challenges include expanding economic opportunity, preserving our rural character, creating diverse housing options, keeping taxes affordable, maintaining top-notch schools, and great public services.


Balancing these goals requires evaluating trade-offs. Chris brings a rational approach and balanced perspective to issues that come before the Planning Board. He is pragmatic, thoughtful, and attentive to the needs of all Williamstown's residents.

By definition, the Planning board is concerned about the future of Williamstown. That future will be determined by the rules and regulations we put in place. Smart and flexible planning will bring more opportunity to Williamstown. Chris has the experience and the vision Williamstown needs to plan for a brighter future.

Please vote for Chris Winters on Tuesday, May 9, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at Williamstown Elementary School.

Jeffrey Thomas
Hugh Daley
Williamstown, Mass.

 

 

 


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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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