Letter: Support Ken Kuttner for Planning Board

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

We are so blessed to have two thoughtful, dedicated community members running for the open Planning Board seat. I'm writing to share my support for Ken Kuttner because of the vision and approach he will bring to the planning board at this time.

The Planning Board has proposed zoning changes that are meant to address the need for more inclusive housing in Williamstown, a need embraced by both candidates. In Ken's "meet the candidate" video (on his website along with a lot more about Ken), he does a great job of explaining that — while he supports the planning board proposals to increase density in general residence — there are better, more creative and more impactful ways to increase housing access in RR2, that include good planning principles such as cluster development, protection of open space, and avoiding sprawl.

Please read more about Ken and what he will bring to the planning board on his website, where you can also see his candidate statement and watch the League of Women Voters forum with both candidates. Whatever happens, I hope you will attend Town Meeting on May 17, and be part of the comprehensive plan process for creating and achieving an inclusive vision for our community.

And, don't forget to VOTE Tuesday, May 10, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Williamstown Elementary School gymnasium, 115 Church St.

Wendy Penner
Williamstown, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2022,   


If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

School Budget, Environment, Recreation Highlight Williamstown Town Meeting

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — This month's annual town meeting returns to a familiar venue.
 
What goes on in that building the rest of the year could be a major topic of discussion at the Tuesday, May 19, gathering.
 
After two years (2020 and '21) on Williams College's football field and four years ('22 through '25) at Mount Greylock Regional School, the town's legislative body will be back at Williamstown Elementary School for a 7 p.m. meeting to decide on municipal spending and other town business.
 
The largest segment of the municipal budget goes to the public schools, and the spending plan for PreK-12 education likely will see a floor amendment intended to add an additional $120,000 to fund a math interventionist at Williamstown Elementary School.
 
The elected seven-member School Committee that governs the Mount Greylock Regional School District has proposed a $30.9 million operating budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The local share of that budget is meted out in assessments to the member towns of Lanesborough and Williamstown, which each vote whether to approve its assessment at town meeting.
 
Williamstown's share of the operating and capital expenditures for the regional school district is $16.8 million under the budget approved by the School Committee, an increase of a little more than $2 million, or 13.65 percent, from the budget for the current fiscal/school year.
 
A group of WES parents concerned about the mathematics instruction at the Grade prekindergarten-6 school plans to bring an amendment to town meeting to add the additional $120,000 — about 0.7 percent of the proposed assessment — to fund the interventionist position.
 
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories