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. 

Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

 

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.  

 

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

 

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves. 

 

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said. 

 

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County. 

 

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.