Letter: Dalton Finance Committee — Thank you

To the Editor:

This fiscal budget season has been a very difficult one for the Finance Committee and chairs. These professional individuals put their time and talent into doing what is best for the town and its people.

This year they have been harassed not once but twice by requests from individuals through the Request for Information. People who are trying to prove Open Meeting violations which have not occurred. They have been belittled and chastised on social media and in public for doing their job in which they are elected. People who took the words "surplus," "excess," "money not used" and made it into a defunding rampage.

At no time was defunding ever mentioned in meetings. By making such false statements brings into question, "should the committee be looking further into these budgets rather than just surplus."

Putting this aside, what makes this Finance Committee unique is that they are professionals who come from different business backgrounds. A group that comes together during their meetings and works together to make a difference no matter how big or small, agree or disagree all on behalf of the town. The respect they show to each other and the people who attend, no matter what their differences, is an example of their integrity and leadership.

When opposition comes to them, they stay focused with the task at hand and do what is best during the budget process. I am truly proud to be part of such a committee. To the past and present members, to our chair and co-chair I would just like to say thank you so very much for being who you are and for the inspiration, perspective and leadership you have shown throughout this year’s budget season.

Karen Schmidt
Dalton, Mass. 

Schmidt is a member of the Dalton Finance Committee. 

Strategic Systems Programs Sees Command Change in Pittsfield

01:58PM / Monday, July 07, 2025

Cmdr. Todd Williamson, right, is the new commanding officer at SPS. With him are former commander Capt. Kyle Kebold, left, and SPS Director Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Strategic Systems Programs saw a change in command last month with Navy Cmdr. Todd Williamson taking charge. 

 

He relieved Capt. Kyle Kobold, commanding officer for SSP's Program Management Office, Shipboard Systems. The office is located at General Dynamics. 

 

The change in command ceremony on June 5 was presided over by Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of SSP. 

 

Wolfe delivered remarks, including a list of accomplishments SSP achieved under the guidance of Kobold, who received a  Meritorious Service Award. Williamson assumes command of the PMO having recently served as the SSP technical director.

 

SSP is responsible for initiating, developing, and coordinating Strategic Weapon System, Guided Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered) Attack Weapon System, and Nuclear Weapon Security program planning, program evaluation, budget data, requirements analysis, and other technical, engineering, and program services in support of and as directed by the director for SSP.

 

SSP is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation's nuclear triad. The command is responsible for sustaining the strategic weapon system (SWS) on the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and supporting the integration of the D5LE weapon system on the new Columbia-class SSBNs.