To the Editor:
I am Alan Wilken and I am running for a 3-year position as a Commissioner for the Water and Sewer Department in Stockbridge. I have lived in Stockbridge for over 30 years where my wife Sarah Horne and I have raised our two children. I ask for your vote on Tuesday. While the Water and Sewer board might not seem like a very important position, in the near future the board will make some critical decisions impacting the Town of Stockbridge.
As qualifications, I worked for over 40 years as a Professional Engineer, having graduated from RPI with a BS in Environmental Engineering and an MS in Public Policy. I then started and ran my own business in the design and application of environmental equipment. I previously served for eight years as the Stockbridge representative on the Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee as well as on Laurel Hill and the Stockbridge Library Board. Because of my professional experience as an engineer, I have been asked by many Stockbridge Selectmen over the years, beginning with John Beacco, Tom Stokes, Mary Flynn and recently Chuck Gillett, to serve on the Water and Sewer Commission. Until now I have been too busy with my business and family.
Now that I am retired, I want to serve and give something back to the town I have grown to love. Most importantly, from my experience on the BHRS School Committee I am very familiar with the Massachusetts open meeting rules and regulations and promise to provide openness and transparency to the Water and Sewer Commission that I feel has been lacking of late.
I want to thank my opponent for his many, many years of service to the Town. I do not wish to challenge or diminish his contributions. But knowing that he has several times expressed a desire or threatened to retire from the Water and Sewer Commission, I throw my hat into the ring and ask for your support.
Alan R. Wilken
3 Old Meeting House Road
Stockbridge
