Letter: Support Andrew Fitch for State Representative

Letter to the Editor04:30PM / Monday, August 10, 2026Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

As a local Realtor, I have had the pleasure of representing some truly wonderful buyers settling in our area. I have gotten to know Andrew Fitch well since meeting him in 2021 when I represented him on the purchase of what is now Steeple City Social.

I have watched in amazement as he brings positive energy and forward change to our area while at the same time respecting and embracing the history and values of all those that have called it home for their entire lives. I can honestly say that it is clear that he works much harder for our area as a whole than he does for himself.

And that started from Day 1 — long before he became a candidate for state representative or even for City Council. It's just in his nature. He goes out of his way to actively engage anyone and everyone that he comes into contact with. He carefully listens to and considers all perspectives. He is smart and very capable. I very much respect his drive and work ethic. He literally never stops working.

He is a force and truly is our own "Energizer Bunny." That fire, determination, energy, and work ethic is why I know that he will be a fantastic state representative for all of the people of the Berkshire First District. He will get it done because that is what he does.

Pam Tworig
Stamford, Vt.

Tags: election 2026,

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Veteran Spotlight: Coast Guard Capt. Thurman 'Tom' Maine

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
04:42PM / Sunday, September 13, 2026

MASHPEE, Mass. — If I were to describe the best attributes of this week's veteran, they would be an infectious personality, role model, leader, wonderful family man and a person that leads by example in the very best way.

The aforementioned, are the primary reasons why Thurman "Tom" Maine enjoyed a successful and distinguished military career in the Coast Guard from 1983 to 2014.

Born in North Stonington, Conn., Maine entered the Coast Guard at the age of 21 and was sent to boot camp in Cape May, N.J. His first assignment was at Coast Guard Station in Provincetown, R.I. From 1994 to 1997, he was a helicopter pilot for Coast Guard Air Station at Otis Air National Guard Base and was elevated to operations officer, chief pilot at the base from 2004 to 2007.

During his 31-year career, Maine flew some of the Coast Guard's most elite helicopters; the Sikorsky H-3 (the Coast Guard's last amphibious aircraft), the Sikorsky H-60 (the most widely flown military helicopter in the world) and the H-65 (a smaller, faster helicopter that deploys on ships).

Maine continued to rapidly climb the ranks and in 2009 was promoted as the Coast Guard's liason to the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, a position he held until 2011. Following that assignment, he was promoted to captain and rose to be the commanding officer at the Coast Guard's prestigious Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala.

During his tenure as commanding officer, he suffered a devastating blow when four Guardsman were killed during a night training exercise. He conveyed that his greatest achievement in his entire military career, was the leadership he provided

to his 600-member unit and the families of the fallen Guardsmen, by always being accessible, communicating constantly and holding vitally important family nights.

He said this tragedy, "gave him the ultimate opportunity to live out his faith." He also lobbied intensely for the student pilot who was killed to be awarded his designation posthumously, which he did.

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