To the editor:
As chairperson of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee, I encourage all registered Stockbridge voters to vote in the town election on May 18. Many residents only vote in presidential years but it’s just as important, if not more so, to vote in our annual town elections that decide who makes the policy decisions that impact the future character of Stockbridge.
In each of the last two town elections, the total vote was only about one third of registered voters. We can do better! Your vote makes a difference!
Our Democratic Town Committee is critical to grassroots organizing in Stockbridge, working to elect Democrats to public office and increasing Democratic registration. Our members are elected every four years on the Presidential Primary Ballot; they’re not anonymous. Only members may vote on formal committee business but anyone is welcome to attend our meetings, volunteer for our causes, be on our email list, etc. Our meetings are always open to the public.
On April 14 the committee held a caucus to endorse Democratic candidates. Every position on the ballot has at least one Democratic candidate running for office. On April 15, 16 committee members who attended the caucus voted for which candidates to endorse.
Please vote for the candidates who are the endorsed Democratic caucus nominees. All are dedicated to making the best choices for the residents and town. All have experience as chairperson and/or members of town boards, committees and commissions. Candidate statements are posted on the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee website https://stockbridgedemocrats.org
- Select Board candidate Don Chabon’s experience includes being a former selectman, member of Planning Board and chairperson of the Democratic Town Committee.
- Endorsed Planning Board candidates Gary Pitney and Carl Sprague are highly qualified and you can vote for both.
- Gary Pitney is a longtime Planning Board member and former chairperson, as well as chairperson and member of the Board of Assessors.
- Carl Sprague is chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee, member of Stockbridge Fountain Committee, Land Trust Board and formerly on the zoning review committee.
- Moderator candidate Jamie Minacci is chairperson of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee and a member of the Conservation Commission.
Candidates in uncontested races would also appreciate your vote. They are all running for re-election and all currently serve as chairmen. They are Gary Pitney on Board of Assessors, Dr. Charles Kenny on Board of Health and Don Schneyer on Sewer & Water Commission.
Anita Schwerner
Stockbridge
The writer is the chairperson of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee.
