Letter: Elect Deborah Maynard in Lanesborough

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.

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.