To the Editor:
Regarding MSBA and the petition:
I feel compelled to note that while the idea of local contractors is always preferable, I’m just curious: Is local hiring a reasonable answer to what is now destined to become a huge tax increase for repairs with little bang for the buck? Why would our local contractors ask for any less than outside contractors? Local contractors will still need the be licensed, insured, state certified, and deserve to be paid a good wage for good work. They too live in an expensive community with their own taxes rising. My understanding is that no one local is currently state certified to do this work.
Make no mistake — I say YES to hiring local but I would like some help understanding  how this an answer to the huge bill now falling 100 percent to local taxpayers.
I am also amazed that there is any surprise whatsoever that we have been given the NO for accelerated repairs money. This seemed to surface endlessly during the pre-vote conversation and was the hallmark of Ed Abrams argument for a yes vote.
Lastly, what if something actually happens to or inside the school and anyone is harmed? Like heavy snowfall — roof collapses…? When it comes to security and safety there are so many concerns here. Is there any greater negligence than knowing what might occur and not preventing it? I pray it isn’t the case.
Claudia Laslie
Great Barrington
