Letter: Elect Deborah Maynard in Lanesborough

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To the Editor:

Why I'm voting for Deborah Maynard for the Lanesborough Select Board.

I have known Debbie for over 50 years. She is a person of high standards, moral values, intellect and integrity. Having worked with her, I know she possesses a strong work ethic, is competent, committed to excellence and takes pride the quality of her work.

She is active in the community and will bring to public service not only a vast amount of experience in municipal government but from life. Her common sense, character, experience and leadership abilities will guide her in the decision making that is necessary for the Select Board. Debbie grew up here, and is committed to preserving all she loves about this community.

Serving on the Select Board is not always an easy task in a small town. You're always accountable to friends and neighbors who may not always agree with your position. Debbie and I have not always agreed or held the same opinion on issues we've discussed. But Debbie is a listener and not only respects what others think and have to say, but knows you can frequently learn something from another point of view. She is not afraid to stand up, speak up and defend what she believes is right. She does so in a civil way. That, to me, is a clear demonstration of leadership. Being available, listening, asking questions and taking action make her an effective leader.

Debbie will do her very best to serve the interests of what is best for this small town.

She has served on the planning board, public safety building committee and is a volunteer for VITA. When there was a sudden staff turnover at Town Hall in the collector and treasurer offices, Debbie immediately stepped up and volunteered her expertise and time to keep the tax collector's office operating to ensure there would be no disruption of services for residents for the entire interim period. She did this out of devotion to her community.

She is a team player and will serve our community well. I encourage you to cast your vote on June 18 for Deborah Maynard.

Linda Pruyne
Lanesborough, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2024,   town elections,   

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Pittsfield Reviews Financial Condition Before FY27 Budget

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased by more than 40 percent since 2022. 

This was reported during a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee on March 19, when the city's financial condition was reviewed ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process.

Mayor Peter Marchetti said the administration is getting "granular" with line items to find cost savings in the budget.  At the time, they had spoken to a handful of departments, asking tough questions and identifying vacancies and retirements. 

Last fiscal year’s $226,246,942 spending plan was a nearly 4.8 percent increase from FY24. 

In the last five years, the average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased 42 percent, from $222,073 in 2022 to $315,335 in 2026. 

"Your tax bill is your property value times the tax rate," the mayor explained. 

"When the tax rate goes up, it's usually because property values have gone down. When the property values go up, the tax rate comes down." 

Tax bills have increased on average by $280 per year over the last five years; the average home costs $5,518 annually in 2026. In 2022, the residential tax rate was $18.56 per thousand dollars of valuation, and the tax rate is $17.50 in 2026. 

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