To the editor:
Mr. Gardner’s June 30, 2024 Letter to the Editor held Leigh Davis responsible for (1) the cost to repair or build Monument Mountain High School; (2) the water delivered by private utility Housatonic Water Works; (3) MassDOT’s recent closing of the Brookside Road Bridge; (4) the collapse seven years ago of the Old Brick House (Park Street) Bridge; and (5) “don’t get me started on the libraries and roads.”
Why did Mr. Gardner stop there? While he was at it, surely he could have held Leigh Davis responsible for (6) our recent unpleasant muggy weather; (7) the price of fuel; (8) the climate crisis; and (9) all injustice in the world, past or present.
Of course, Mr. Gardner might have tried a different tack. He might have identified what Leigh Davis actually is responsible for, such as:
- Her pivotal role at Construct, where she kickstarted the affordable-housing nonprofit’s effort to acquire The Windflower Inn for local workforce housing;
- Her leadership on the Great Barrington Select Board where she spearheaded a home rule petition to ensure that residents retained local control over a proposal to reestablish commercial horse racing;
- Her successful lobbying of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation which led to the installation of a new safety system near the entrance to Monument Mountain High School, protecting staff, students, and families after a long history of accidents; and
- Her tireless volunteer work for Berkshire nonprofits like Volunteers In Medicine, The People’s Pantry, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Great Barrington Land Conservancy, and the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation.
Mr. Gardner’s letter was an obvious attempt to stir up opposition to Ms. Davis’ candidacy to succeed Smitty Pignatelli as the state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District. Had he discussed what Leigh Davis actually is responsible for, his letter would have backfired and stirred up support for her. How do I know this? Because I know what Leigh Davis has accomplished from watching her in action for many years. That is why I, and so many others, are enthusiastically supporting her candidacy. I encourage Berkshire Edge readers to do the same and to vote for Leigh Davis in the September 3, 2024 Democratic primary.
Robbie Cooper
Sheffield
Editor’s note: Cooper is the chairman of the Sheffield Planning Board.
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