Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Plans to Query Gubernatorial Candidates
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission wants to communicate with candidates of the 2022 gubernatorial election to see where they stand on issues in Western Massachusetts.
Executive Director Thomas Matuszko asked BRPC's executive committee on Thursday how it feels about having a more active role with the candidates as a way of bringing attention to the western part of the state.
There are currently six candidates so far running for governor: Democrats Danielle Allen, Sonia Chang-Diaz, Scott Donohue and Orlando Silva; Republican Geoff Diehl, and independent Dianna Ploss.
Four candidates are so far running for lieutenant governor, one of whom is state Sen. Adam Hinds. Hinds will be running against other Democrats Bret Bero, Tami Gouveia, and Eric Lesser for the nomination.
Both Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karen Polito have announced that they will not be seeking re-election.
"I mean, should we be forwarding a list of questions that we might want to have them weigh in on if they would be willing to? I've been thinking about, what's their position on passenger rail service, especially extending it to Berkshire County, and points further west or further south, and there seems to be a number of different items that we could prepare a list of questions on to submit," he said.
"The infrastructure spending, Chapter 90 funding, all of these types of things that affect Western Mass."
Members were highly supportive of Matuszko's proposal and were also in support of inviting candidates to BRPC meetings or have virtual sessions.
"I think that that it's a way of saying we are part of the state and it's important for you to know what our issues are," Pittsfield delegate Sheila Irvin said. "And super interested to know how you plan to deal with them."
Sheffield alternate Rene Wood suggested partnering with 1Berkshire to incorporate economic development into the conversation and have more leverage.
Matuszko said he was also thinking of a collaboration with 1Berkshire or the Berkshire County Selectman's Association and plans on proposing the idea by both organizations.
By Jan. 14, he asked the committee members if they could submit one question they would like answered by the candidates to get the planning process started.
Lanesborough delegate Barb Davis-Hassan is not on the Executive Committee but asked if the individual towns and two cities in Berkshire County would have the opportunity to submit questions through BRPC.
"From my perspective, I think the more ideas that we get that are important to the communities, the better," Matuszko responded.
Chair and Adams alternate John Duval seconded Irvin's earlier sentiments about advocating for the western part of the state.
"I think it's a good idea because if we don't we don't speak up, we're going to be left behind," he said.
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