To the editor:
Due to my involvement with environmental issues for over 50 years, I believe that Patrick White is the candidate for state representative who will be most effective in addressing those issues of concern. Currently a member of the Green Dalton Committee, I previously led the Springfield-Longmeadow Solarize program, and as chair of the Longmeadow Select Board, I was part of the opposition (that remains ongoing) to stop Eversource from imposing an unnecessary and dangerous gas pipeline designed to run through Longmeadow into the Environmental Justice communities of Springfield.
As a concerned citizen, I have witnessed Patrick White’s expertise and effectiveness in dealing with environmental issues. Patrick wrote the climate section of the Berkshire Natural Resource Council’s application resulting in a $2.26 million state grant for land acquisition by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans. Patrick was also instrumental in the preservation of the Old Growth Forest at Ice Glen, enabling Stockbridge to become the first Berkshire town in 10 years to win MMA’s innovation award. Finally, as a Stockbridge Select Board member, Patrick revived key town committees on environmental conservation and recruited a dozen members to serve. Given these achievements, it is no wonder that Patrick is one of just three Berkshire County residents named to the state’s new Climate Advisory Board.
Advancing renewable energy adoption, protecting our natural environment, and enhancing infrastructure resilience in the Berkshires and beyond are just three of the climate goals that Patrick has set should he be elected.
As the Massachusetts legislature recently ended its two-year session by failing to pass a climate bill, it is clear that Patrick White’s advocacy and ability to deliver are needed now more than ever by the residents of the 3rd Berkshire district.
Steven Marantz
Dalton
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