Letter: Bosley Understands Community Issues

To the Editor:

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, voters of the 1st Berkshire District will head to the polls to vote in a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the recent passing of state Rep. Gail Cariddi.

Gail was a strong, compassionate, hardworking advocate for the people of Berkshire County. Her death is a loss to her family, community and state. Hers are a very large pair of shoes to fill! We are fortunate to have a candidate whom I believe is ready and capable of doing just that.

Stephanie Bosley, a native of North Adams, has my vote. She is an intelligent, articulate woman with knowledge of the issues which our community faces. More important, Stephanie has a plan to address these challenges. To become informed and to view her positions please visit her website at www.bosleyforstaterep.com.

A fresh face with fresh ideas is what we need to represent the 1st Berkshire District. Stephanie's work experience combined with her ability and willingness to work with others to get things accomplished will serve the residents of Berkshire county well.

Please join me on Oct. 10 and vote to elect Stephanie Bosley as the next state representative for the 1st Berkshire District.

Roberta Fortini-Curran
Williamstown, Mass.

Williamstown Fire Committee Talks Station Project Cuts, Truck Replacement

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:17AM / Friday, April 26, 2024

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Prudential Committee on Wednesday signed off on more than $1 million in cost cutting measures for the planned Main Street fire station.

 

Some of the "value engineering" changes are cosmetic, while at least one pushes off a planned expense into the future.

 

The committee, which oversees the Fire District, also made plans to hold meetings over the next two Wednesdays to finalize its fiscal year 2025 budget request and other warrant articles for the May 28 annual district meeting. One of those warrant articles could include a request for a new mini rescue truck.

 

The value engineering changes to the building project originated with the district's Building Committee, which asked the Prudential Committee to review and sign off.

 

In all, the cuts approved on Wednesday are estimated to trim $1.135 million off the project's price tag.

 

The biggest ticket items included $250,000 to simplify the exterior masonry, $200,000 to eliminate a side yard shed, $150,000 to switch from a metal roof to asphalt shingles and $75,000 to "white box" certain areas on the second floor of the planned building.

 

The white boxing means the interior spaces will be built but not finished. So instead of dividing a large space into six bunk rooms and installing two restrooms on the second floor, that space will be left empty and unframed for now.