Governor, Climate Chief Announce Creation of Youth Climate Council

11:00AM / Saturday, April 29, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer announced the creation of a Youth Climate Council.

The council will advise the Governor and the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience on climate policy and actions to make communities more resilient. Interested high school students in Massachusetts can now apply to be part of the council which will meet regularly with Chief Hoffer.

"I am so inspired by the young people who have been leading the charge to advocate for bold, innovative action on climate. We are creating the Youth Climate Council to center their voices, perspectives and ideas in our climate policy and make sure they have a seat at the decision-making table," said Governor Healey. "I'm grateful for Chief Hoffer's leadership and for her commitment to bringing people together to drive the change that we need to create a stronger, healthier and more equitable future for all."

Applications are now open for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors and can be accessed here. The deadline to apply is May 19, 2023.

"As Mayor of Salem, I was always impressed with the important work that our Youth Commission did and saw firsthand how their bright ideas translated into positive results for our communities," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. "I'm excited about the work that Chief Hoffer is doing to bring more young people into state government, and I know this Council will have a significant impact in our efforts to combat the climate crisis."

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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