Letter: Thank You for Work on Local Health Care System

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To the Editor:

I'm impressed by the dedication and focus of all those who, as recently reported, are working to adapt our local health care system to the new realities.

Among those involved are the State's Office of the Governor and Office of Health and Human Services, our elected officials, Berkshire Health Systems, the ambulance services, and health care unions.

I'm grateful for the considerable progress made in recent months and believe that it bodes well for the further cooperative development of a system that meets the needs of all in our community, especially those who face the most challenges.

 

Adam Falk
Williamstown

 

 

 

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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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