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Why I support Patrick White for state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District
August 30, 2024
To the editor:
Patrick is a selfless individual, becoming involved in the many aspects of issues critical to the Berkshires. This was before he had any aspirations to become involved as our state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District.
Patrick’s qualifications speak volumes: a degree in economics, owner of three companies, CFO of the Berkshire Waldorf School, and raising $4 million in funding to rehouse the school in the Old Town Hall in Stockbridge.
Patrick has been involved in several successful environmental initiatives here in our county, not withstanding the PCB settlement.
His knowledge of government has recently been acknowledged as a speaker at OLLIE on both local government and beyond.
Patrick refuses to be drawn into any discourse with fellow candidates that only takes away from important core issues needing to be dealt with as a qualified state representative!
He continues to take the “high road”! I intend to be on that road with him!
Mandy Victor-Pieczarka
Great Barrington
As a member of Gen Z living in Berkshire County, I wholeheartedly endorse Leigh Davis for the 3rd Berkshire District
August 29, 2024
To the editor:
My name is Rowen Stanton, and I am a member of Berkshire County’s newest generation of voters: Generation Z. I was born and raised in Great Barrington and graduated from Monument Mountain High School in 2015. After four years away at Hampshire College, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in architecture, I made the decision to return to my hometown. My needs here in western Massachusetts resemble the needs and aspirations of my contemporaries across the country. Over the past few years, I have been extremely lucky to have found a job I love, to move into a place of my own, and to remain connected with my family and community of friends as I grow into the next chapter of my adulthood. I am a proud contributor to Berkshire County’s economy.
With my basic needs of work, housing, and social circles met, I now have the ability to turn my lens towards local leadership. Having assessed the candidates running to represent the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I am excited to wholeheartedly endorse Leigh Davis for the position. I see Leigh as a true community organizer, an active listener, and a fierce advocate for the Berkshires. These are the qualities of leadership that make me excited for the future and that I most want to see in the State House. Please join me in voting Leigh Davis for the future of the 3rd Berkshire District.
Rowen Stanton
Great Barrington
As busy women also juggling the demands of motherhood, work, and community, we will be voting for Leigh Davis
August 27, 2024
To the editor:
If you want to get something done, ask a busy woman. If you want strong representation on the state level, vote for Leigh Davis for state representative of the 3rd Berkshire District.
Leigh has been busy serving on the Great Barrington Selectboard supporting important issues including affordable housing, economic development, and the environment. She has also been busy working at Construct, a nonprofit that serves many people in their critical need for housing.
Leigh has been busy raising three really great kids, all of whom attended the Berkshire Hills public schools. That is part of why she shows unwavering support of our public schools. Leigh sees the opportunity for our community to receive tens of millions of state dollars in funding a new Monument Mountain High School as something to champion, not something to jeopardize by suggesting alternate ideas that are unfeasible and untimely. She believes public education is integral to a healthy community.
Whether she is participating in a Selectboard meeting or attending a soccer game, what you see is what you get with Leigh. She is a good person and listener, an eager learner, a confident woman who is not afraid to speak her mind but does so with respect and decency. It is no wonder that she has been endorsed by the Great Barrington Selectboard, Planned Parenthood, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and many other important organizations.
As women who are also busy juggling the demands of motherhood, work, and community, we will be voting for Leigh in the primary on September 3 and urge you to do the same.
Kelly Baxter Spitz
Sheffield
Michaela Dohoney
Great Barrington
Karen Doyle Grossman
Great Barrington
Kathleen Gillis
Stockbridge
Rebecca Gold
Great Barrington
Elissa Haskins-Vaughan
Great Barrington
Elizabeth Keen
South Egremont
Francoise Lartigue
New Marlboro
Tracy Mack
Great Barrington
Jennifer Nacht
New Marlboro
Jessica Oakley
Great Barrington
Tori Pajeski
Great Barrington
Diane Pearlman
Great Barrington
Diane Singer
Great Barrington
Jessica Speer-Holmes
Great Barrington
Send Patrick White’s voice and values to Boston
August 27, 2024
To the editor:
September 3 is an important day for deciding who will represent the 3rd Berkshire District in the State House. Please VOTE! The district needs someone who knows and believes in all the Berkshires are and can be; who will advocate for affordable housing, responsible economic development, ethical land management, and good use of our tax dollars; and who will work tirelessly to chart ways to support our beautiful land, cities, villages, and values. Patrick White will do all that. He has demonstrated it through his leadership in Stockbridge and beyond. But perhaps more importantly, Patrick White has shown us transparency in leadership and real service, that government in these complex times can be with and for the people. Ask anyone who has called Patrick with a question, need, or request: He delivers, goes the extra mile, and does it with a smile. Do drama, no fake promises to win an election. Patrick is the kind of person who will hold the ladder so you don’t fall (then put the ladder in the garage for you when the job is done). The 3rd Berkshire District needs a hardworking, straight-shooting representative whom we can trust and depend on. Patrick White will represent and serve the district well. Send his voice and values to Boston!
Joan V. Gallos
Brookline, Mass.
Leigh Davis is the right choice for the 3rd Berkshire District seat
August 26, 2024
To the editor:
There is no wrong choice in the upcoming election the 3rd Berkshire District seat. Absolutely no one steps into a local or state election who does not genuinely want to make a difference. I firmly believe that all candidates running have our best interests at heart, regardless of party or platform. That being said, there is a right choice, and that choice can only be Leigh Davis.
Leigh understands small towns and small business alike. Leigh Davis was on the other end of the very first phone call I received after the announcement of the closure of the Division Street Bridge, pledging her support and resources to help keep Taft Farms from closing. From the moment of that phone call and throughout the next several years, all the way through the COVID pandemic, Leigh was a constant voice of support to help our small business survive, and I know I am not alone.
I am a lifelong member of Great Barrington and Housatonic. I consider everyone a neighbor and always have. I remember growing up when our well would run dry in the summer, running a hose from the neighbor’s house next door to get us by until the next rain. Which is why when my neighbors in Housatonic needed some water, we stepped in to offer our well. Leigh has been, and continues to be, the only candidate running who has tried to make this situation better, even touring our farm and artesian well (which has been labeled as a possible future town water source). She is eager to take up that fight at the state level to help bring safe clean water to our neighborhood.
Over the years and during her time on the Great Barrington Selectboard, Leigh has sought out the opinions of community members and community leaders to address issues like housing, addiction and recovery, and employment levels. Rather than simply stating her opinions, she seeks out voices to be heard and genuinely listens to them before making a decision. Now, when people disagree, and a decision has to be made, someone will always be left unhappy, and the unhappy are always the loudest. But making a decision and taking a stand are what I want in a candidate, in a leader. And those qualities in Leigh are why Leigh is the right choice in this election.
Paul K. Tawczynski
Great Barrington
Former 4th Berkshire District state representative endorses Leigh Davis for the 3rd Berkshire District
August 26, 2024
To the editor:
I enthusiastically endorse Leigh Davis, a dedicated Democrat, to represent the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Aiming to uplift and serve the community, Leigh emerges as a highly qualified and dedicated candidate for state representative. Her strong background as a Democrat, coupled with her commitment to serving the community, is commendable. Davis’ passionate advocacy for affordable housing and workforce development and her support for working families reflect her deep understanding of the needs of her constituents.
As a single parent and an advocate for women’s rights, Davis brings a unique perspective to the table, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in her policy decisions. Moreover, she has received endorsements from reputable organizations such as the Environmental League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Nurses Union, Progressive Mass, and the Clean Water Action Fund. These endorsements speak volumes about her credibility and alignment with important social, labor, and environmental interests.
Furthermore, Davis’ focus on affordable housing, environmental sustainability, consumer rights, and social justice underscores her comprehensive approach to governance. She will continue her fight for clean drinking water and hold those that poison our rivers accountable. Her track record as a progressive leader with a solid background in public service showcases her ability to drive positive change and make informed decisions that benefit the community.
In conclusion, Leigh Davis’ strong platform rooted in social justice, economic empowerment, and inclusivity positions her as a compelling choice for state representative. Her dedication to public service, coupled with her promising vision for a more equitable and prosperous community, makes her a standout candidate worthy of consideration. She will work for you and your best interest.
Leigh is campaigning for state representative the old-fashioned way: She is working hard and knocking on doors throughout the district.
I know what it takes to represent the Berkshires, and Leigh Davis has the critical panache to make us proud. She is the perfect woman to follow the stellar representation of Smitty Pignatelli, and I wish her great success and look forward to calling this strong, capable woman my representative!
Christopher Hodgkins
Lenox
NOTE: Christopher Hodgkins is the former state representative of the 4th Berkshire District, having represented the district from 1983 to 2003.
Ed Abrahams endorses Patrick White
August 23, 2024
To the editor:
On September 3—sooner if you are early voting—there is a Democratic primary to fill Smitty Pignitelli’s seat. I am endorsing Patrick White.
I am voting for Patrick because he is a creative problem solver (ask him how we can reduce the tax burden of a new high school); he is always listening (ask anyone who has disagreed with him, including me, about his respect for different opinions and his willingness to learn); and because he meets challenges by bringing people together rather than by dividing. For those reasons, he is the clear best choice.
Please vote on September 3. And please consider voting for Patrick.
Ed Abrahams
Great Barrington
NOTE: Ed Abrahams is a former member of the Great Barrington Selectboard.
As a millennial, I support Leigh Davis for state representative
August 23, 2024
To the editor:
I first had the opportunity to meet Leigh Davis at a small gathering in April. I was immediately impressed with her intelligence, authenticity, and genuine interest in what others in the room had to say. I felt a deep sense of excitement that night, over the idea that this person could actually be my state representative.
As a millennial, I am part of a hollowed-out demographic in Berkshire County. It is not an unreasonable argument to make that population decline is responsible, directly or indirectly, for nearly all other issues we face.
In the race for the 3rd Berkshire District House seat, Leigh Davis embodies the kind of leadership that I believe will be most conducive to attracting and retaining folks from my generation—not only because of her position on issues like affordable housing, but because of the participatory, inclusive, and empathic culture she will foster.
Research shows that, more so than our generational elders, millennials value experiences. We desire meaningful opportunities for professional and personal development. We seek a healthy work-life balance and care about our mental health (and yours, too). Many of us are anxious about what the world will look like for our children. We also yearn for an enhanced sense of community in the wake of a pandemic that made life a matter of survival—including for mothers of young children, like me. Many of us want our leaders to be more curious about what we think and to invite us to the table when it comes to developing solutions.
Complementing tireless and vociferous advocacy for the district in Boston, a successful state representative will set the tone at home in a way that supports a sense of belonging and collaboration.
Leigh Davis is uniquely qualified to do this work. Her resume and the manner in which she has run her campaign speak to that. The diversity of endorsements she has received reminds us that her platform has broad appeal, that she is articulate, well-studied, thoughtful and convincing, kind and brave, and ready.
Lastly, millennials value transparency. I appreciate how specific, chronological, and complete Leigh Davis has been in detailing her professional trajectory, including naming the companies which have employed her.
Please join me in voting for Leigh Davis on September 3 and November 5. By inviting all of us to take an active part in our futures, she will give those of us who value community a reason to stay.
Julia Thomas
Monterey
I have seen Leigh Davis’ advocacy and leadership skills firsthand
August 23, 2024
To the editor:
I first met Leigh Davis in 2018 when she was working with Jeff Cohen as the director of development on the Eagle Mill project in downtown Lee. From the start, Leigh impressed me as a hardworking go-getter, always going the extra mile with a smile and displaying the professionalism of a seasoned development director. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this was her first time serving in such a role—an incredible achievement! Leigh was not only instrumental in helping to secure millions of dollars in funding for the $80 million redevelopment project, but I also watched her expertly juggle her responsibilities, including working with various town boards and committees in Lee, meeting with subcontractors, and preparing the site for demolition, which included my own home of 72 years. Through this process, I came to recognize Leigh’s exceptional capabilities as a leader and community organizer. She exuded honesty and respect while helping me transition from the home I had known for most of my life.
Having spent most of my life on West Center Street in Lee, with the Housatonic River in my backyard, I have a deep connection to our environment. Sadly, the Housatonic River is poisoned and desperately needs a cleanup. While the proposed solution of a toxic landfill in Lee may seem less than ideal to some, I can personally attest that a cleanup is long overdue. I have seen Leigh’s advocacy and leadership skills firsthand, and it is no surprise that her campaign has been endorsed by leading environmental groups like Clean Water Action and the Environmental League of Massachusetts. Leigh is, without a doubt, the candidate best equipped to advocate for a cleanup of the Housatonic that prioritizes the health and safety of our constituents while ensuring transparency and collaboration across all towns.
Leigh and I have stayed in touch over the years. When the Lee Youth Commission was researching the possibility of a community center, Leigh took the time to meet with us and discuss how to create a community questionnaire to support our efforts. This is just one example of how Leigh demonstrates her unique ability to support smaller-scale community initiatives while keeping her focus on the broader needs of our 18-town district.
We need Leigh at the State House. Please join me in voting for Leigh Davis in the September 3 state primary and again in the November 5 general election.
Kathy Hall
Lee
NOTE: Kathy Hall has been a member of the Lee Democratic Town Committee since 1974 and is the current chair of the Lee Youth Commission; however, she writes the above as a private citizen.
Leigh Davis sticks up for those who need representation the most
August 23, 2024
To the editor:
Please join me in voting for Leigh Davis for state representative on September 3. Leigh is a hard-working mom who knows what it takes to raise a family in this community and will be a true advocate for working families at the Statehouse. Her commitment to working families is best demonstrated by her tireless advocacy for quality public education and affordable housing.
At every turn and during every budget cycle, Leigh has stood by our school kids. She knows firsthand the magic going on in our public schools because all three of her amazing kids went through Berkshire Hills, K through 12. Leigh celebrates their success by doubling down on her support for our public schools. She treasures our teachers and will stop at nothing to make sure they are treated fairly. She knows first hand that the future of South County depends on investing in our families and providing educational opportunities for everyone. As state representative, Leigh will stand up against attacks on educators and public schools and will support our kids and our families.
Leigh sounded the alarm on our housing-affordability crisis and then went right to work trying to fix it. She has achieved real results by stabilizing tax rates, creating workforce housing, and reforming our zoning ordinance to protect homeowners. She achieved these results by deliberately and thoughtfully building consensus while standing up to the moneyed interests who put their next buck above of our community.
Her record of public service on the Great Barrington Finance Committee and Selectboard can be best summarized in two sentences: She speaks truth to power. She sticks up for those who need representation the most.
If we want to continue to be a place where working-class people can live and thrive, we need Leigh Davis as our state representative. Please vote for Leigh on September 3.
Rich Dohoney
Great Barrington
Leigh Davis is the best-equipped candidate to represent the 3rd Berkshire District
August 23, 2024
To the editor:
As a 29-year resident of Great Barrington and attentive observer of the politics and governance of south Berkshire County, I think that the overall qualifications of Leigh Davis to occupy the Third Berkshire District House seat in our state legislature are head and shoulders above those of her three opponents for that office.
I attended the July 27 forum in Lee where all four candidates spoke. On August 18, I also listened carefully to the CTSB video recording of that event. Despite the limitations posed by the sound-bite nature of the forum, what shone through most strongly to me in it were Leigh Davis’s disciplined intelligence and the clarity and disciplined fire in her public speaking. Seeing and hearing abundant evidence of these disciplines in a candidate carries much more weight for me than his or her recitation of a laudable resume.
All three of Leigh’s opponents (two of whom I spoke with one-on-one directly after the July 27 forum) struck me as earnest people dedicated to public service at the town and county level. But whoever is elected on November 5 to succeed Smitty Pignatelli will have to navigate the much stronger political headwinds of politics at the state level. I think that any of the four candidates, if elected, will face a surprisingly steep learning curve. As a former legislative lobbyist myself, I think that the total of Leigh Davis’s demonstrated skills make her the candidate best equipped to take on that challenge.
John Breasted
Great Barrington
‘Both Sides Now’: Patrick White is the Judy Collins candidate
August 20, 2024
To the editor:
At the risk of lightening up the discourse, I offer the following: When I think of the upcoming Judy Collins concert, Patrick White comes to mind. Allow me to explain. I would like to add my voice in support of Patrick White in his quest to succeed Smitty Pignatelli as the 3rd Berkshire District’s state representative in the Democratic primary coming up on September 3.
I won’t bore everyone with a recitation of Patrick’s many achievements, qualifications, etc. What I believe makes Patrick the singularly best candidate is his ability and penchant for what I call the “deep dive.” He has an amazing capacity for the minutia of issues and will invest as much time and research as necessary to flesh out both sides of an issue and will communicate what he has unearthed in a clear and comprehensive manner for his constituents to digest.
As a Stockbridge resident, I have watched Patrick represent many issues in this manner, taking an even-handed “Both Sides Now” approach. He understands his role as an elected official in a representative democracy and is not afraid to break new ground to initiate a dialogue regarding difficult or complex policy initiatives. The residential tax exemption is a notable example, as was the controversy on how best to treat our beloved Stockbridge Bowl’s invasive weeds. Patrick did not get “married” to a predetermined outcome in either case but endeavored to make sure a thorough discussion of all aspects took place. It is this advocacy of “Both Sides Now” of important issues which leads me to the admittedly pithy moniker that Patrick be considered the “Judy Collins” candidate. Please join me in voting for Patrick White on September 3.
Alan O’Brient
Stockbridge
We urge you to vote for Marybeth Mitts in the general election on Nov. 5
August 20, 2024
To the editor:
The most qualified candidate to fill Smitty Pignatelli’s seat as state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District will not be in the Democratic primary on September 3: Her name is Marybeth Mitts.
As an unenrolled candidate (like 60 percent of Berkshire County voters), Marybeth will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election on November 5. She is running her campaign like she has worked her entire career: on behalf of all voters.
Marybeth’s accomplishments and temperament place her head and shoulders above the competition. Just listen to her when she discusses any issue about our western Massachusetts community: from housing to public safety, from public works to education, from community development and employment to social and addiction services.
Marybeth Mitts talks the talk because she has walked the walk. No one has done the hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves work that Marybeth has already done and continues to do for the Berkshires, the work that makes communities run:
- Master plans and Housing Production Plans, negotiating contracts for teachers and public safety officers;
- Writing and monitoring grants for scores of rental rehab, first-time homebuyers, and rental housing units throughout California and Massachusetts;
- Directing the purchase, renovation, and resale of three Lenox single-family affordable homes: arranging contractors, roofers, landscapers, overseeing the projects to completion.
- Overcoming voter resistance, as a Lenox Select Board member, to build consensus for 130 affordable-housing units;
- Holding developers accountable for including affordable units or “in-lieu” payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars;
- At Mass Hire, developing and delivering professional development workshops to underemployed and unemployed Berkshire County jobseekers; assisting women at The Elizabeth Freeman Center with resume building and job seeking, helping them access free MassHire training programs and find new employment and independence for themselves and their children.
Marybeth’s early career at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, Department of the Navy, the Marines Corps, and as a consultant for cities and counties in Southern California, as well as the heavy lifting she has done for the Town of Lenox and the Berkshires at large, have prepared her for this moment.
There is just no comparison. We will be voting for Marybeth Mitts on November 5 and urge all to do the same.
Stephen and Leslie Shatz
Stockbridge
Leigh Davis is on the front lines of the housing crisis
August 19, 2024
To the editor:
Leigh Davis works on the front lines of the housing crisis every day as a director at Construct. But let’s talk about what she has done in the public arena because it has been truly impactful.
Leigh chairs the Great Barrington Housing Committee, who have been meeting for the last four years with the broad task of coming up with ways to increase housing, break down barriers to housing, and seeking additional funding. They have met with a wide range of people, from prospective tenants to developers and housing advocates. They have developed dozens of ideas, such as identifying underutilized and delinquent properties, obtaining community block grant funds for repairs to keep people in their homes, and revising zoning to allow clustered and rear-lot housing. When Leigh realized that corporations were acquiring apartments to turn them into short-term rentals, she developed a short-term rental bylaw that successfully balanced the needs of landowners and renters, stabilized the rental marketplace, and was overwhelmingly adopted at Town Meeting. Leigh didn’t do it alone but brought people together to work collaboratively.
Leigh has been a strong supporter of the Affordable Housing Trust and the work they do to provide down-payment loans to first-time home buyers and the programs to keep people in their homes. She advocated for additional funding and helped create a new funding stream. As a Selectboard member, she carefully reviewed the joint Habitat for Humanity and Housing Trust project to build 20 energy-efficient houses for first-time buyers in Housatonic. When the project was threatened with derailment from demands for a density inappropriate to the site and the Berkshires, she worked to understand the project goals, the feasibility study, Habitat’s desire to create a community not just houses, and the concerns of the local community. Her depth of understanding and her support means that 20 families will have new homes with a groundbreaking expected this fall.
Fred Clark
Housatonic
NOTE: Fred Clark is co-chair of the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund; however, he writes the above as a private citizen.
We can count on Patrick White, especially when it comes to public safety
August 19, 2024
To the editor:
In the final weeks before the campaigning ends and our representatives are elected, I wanted to share a bit about Patrick White’s diligence regarding a public-safety matter. While no candidate can be an expert in all topics, it is important to hang on to the ones who are most adept at finding the right resources to get the best, most current information with which to solve matters before them. My experience with Patrick White, with whom I grew up in Stockbridge, is that he is just the type of candidate we can always count on to have the depth of resources and fine set of critical-thinking skills to know how to handle important matters, especially ones involving the safety of the county’s citizens. As someone who has been an FBI agent for more than 20 years, I was impressed that Patrick thought about his vast list of resources and called to talk about the line where federal law enforcement should become involved versus keeping a matter more local. He quickly assimilated the information and used it in his strategy to mitigate a potential threat. From my point of view, his process was thorough, reasonable, expedient, and mostly it demonstrated the deep care he has for his fellow citizens … not just special interest groups or factions, but all citizens in Berkshire County. It is for these reasons that I strongly support Patrick White for the 3rd Berkshire District’s state representative.
Julie Blanchard Patton
Stockbridge
Join me in supporting Jamie Minacci in the Democratic primary for the 3rd Berkshire District seat
August 19, 2024
To the editor:
Please join me in voting for Jamie Minacci as the Democratic candidate for state representative of the 3rd Berkshire District in the primary election on September 3. Jamie is honest, ethical, and sincerely dedicated to serving all the people of the 3rd Berkshire District. Community service was ingrained in her from an early age, and it has carried through her life—education, an active member of multiple community committees and initiatives, and currently as Select Board member in Stockbridge. Unlike one of the other Democratic candidates, her agenda is focused on what she can do to serve the community, and not on what the community can do to serve her. From the very beginning of this campaign, when the other candidates were singularly focused on “affordable housing,” Jamie was promoting an agenda fostering economic development in the district, focusing on the need to restore and improve the infrastructure of our roads, bridges, public transportation, and utilities; to improve the healthcare delivery system; and to create an environment that attracts investment and living-wage employment for young families. It did not take long for the copy-cat candidate to start parroting these ideals. Jamie has been the consistent candidate throughout this primary race, and she will be the person consistently dedicated to serving the entirety of this community when elected.
Thomas Manisero
Stockbridge
Patrick White: advocating for us, addressing our challenges
August 15, 2024
To the editor:
I am writing to express my support for Patrick White for the 3rd Berkshire District state representative seat.
When considering endorsements from various legislative lobby groups, voters should reflect on their nature and origin.
While endorsements from these state organizations are well intentioned, they are often guided by broader legislative agendas that may not perfectly align with the local priorities of our district towns. These groups provide valuable perspectives, but their scope does not necessarily encompass the unique challenges and issues we face in our communities. Their priorities are set on a scale that, while relevant, is not tailored to the intricacies of local governance and needs.
Patrick White’s dedication to our district is deeply rooted in understanding these local concerns, demonstrated through his proactive leadership in several critical areas.
For instance, Patrick White was an early intervenor on behalf of Housatonic Water Works customers, advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness. As a vocal intervenor for the Housatonic River Corridor residents, he exposed the risks of the PCB dump, and his advocacy earned endorsements from Bob Jones and Sean Regnier of the Lee Select Board. Moreover, he has taken significant steps in Stockbridge to address infrastructure challenges, ensuring that all bridges are either repaired or undergoing repairs to prevent potential closures that could disrupt or endanger residents.
His commitment is to represent our specific interests and ensure that our voices are heard and influential in shaping the policies that affect our daily lives.
As we consider our choices for representation, let us recognize the unmatched value of a genuinely immersed candidate rooted in our community. Vote Patrick White, a true advocate for our home.
Mary McGurn
Egremont
Leigh Davis will be an advocate for our community
August 15, 2024
To the editor:
I have known Leigh Davis for eight years, beginning back when she was marketing director at the Mahaiwe. She has the same passion that I have: peace and tranquility throughout the Berkshire communities.
Leigh champions the core values, such as: advocating for veterans and seniors, affordable housing, work-off programs, extended property tax exemptions, and establishing Medicare for all in the Berkshires.
Leigh will not only be an excellent state representative, but she will be an advocate for the people of our communities, the county, and the 3rd Berkshire District in Massachusetts. Finally, Leigh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. She listens. She understands. She appreciates our concerns.
It is simple: Vote on September 3 for Leigh Davis as state representative.
Andrew Krouss
West Stockbridge
NOTE: Andrew Krouss is a member of the West Stockbridge Select Board.
Patrick White made local history with this ‘pocketbook’ policy for Stockbridge
August 15, 2024
To the editor:
I’m writing in support of Patrick White as the Democratic candidate for State Representative for the 3rd Berkshire District. Though Patrick can be commended for many achievements as a Stockbridge Select Board member—including protecting our natural environment and enhancing infrastructure resilience—I would like to focus on a “pocketbook” policy for Stockbridge workers that has thus far not received a lot of attention.
In 2023 Patrick proposed and inserted a cost of living (COLA)-plus-0.5 percent pay increase into the town’s union contracts, prompted by his observation that, during COVID, the inflation rate over three years was 17 percent, with union contracts only calling for a two percent annual increase. He recognized that this was wrong and made the case for why it was in the town’s interest to increase pay as a retention and recruiting strategy.
By passing a COLA-plus-0.5 percent contract raise, over the course of 20 years, Patrick enabled Stockbridge union employees to experience a 10 percent increase in real purchasing power. He then used that precedent to establish pay equity for the town’s non-union workers, many of whom are female and work in secretarial positions.
While Patrick was leading with this initiative, what did his opponents from other towns do for their workers? They, like most Berkshire County select board members, negotiated contracts with a two to three percent annual raise—a move that resulted in workers’ loss of purchasing power every single year, especially when inflation persists. Here are the numbers that bear this out: During three years of COVID, the cost of living rose 17 percent. With a two to three percent annual raise, that three-year contract cost town workers anywhere from an eight to an 11 percent loss in purchasing power. With a COLA-plus-0.5 percent increase, that same worker will gain, not lose, purchasing power every single year.
Patrick made local history with this decision. He was willing to incur the wrath of area town managers (which he received)—and the risk of reelection—because he believes in supporting the workers who live here. That he was reelected to the Stockbridge Select Board in a landslide proves that his community appreciated his commitment.
By electing Patrick White on September 3, we will expand the impact of that commitment by choosing a leader who will prioritize the economic wellbeing of workers throughout the 3rd Berkshire District.
Michele Marantz
Dalton
NOTE: Michele Marantz is chair of the Dalton Democratic Town Committee; however, she writes the above as a private citizen.
Leigh Davis is the best equipped to support the needs of our district in the State House
August 15, 2024
To the editor:
Our next state representative will be successful in representing the 18 towns of the 3rd Berkshire District only if they have a demonstrated ability at connecting the various communities and industries that comprise the district. Leigh Davis is that person. In her professional life, Leigh has worked as marketing manager at the Mahaiwe, director of development for Eagle Mill Redevelopment, and currently as director of communications for Construct. As a volunteer, she has served on the boards of St. James Place and 1Berkshire. Her public service in Great Barrington began on the town’s Finance Committee and has included two elections to its Selectboard. She is now in her fourth year as vice chair of the Selectboard, having been nominated to the position by fellow members in her second year and having been reappointed each year since. A trajectory like this shows a genuine interest in participating in one’s broader community. This is the type of leader who will be most equipped to support the various needs of our district in the State House.
I first introduced myself to Leigh after hearing her speak at a GE Rest of River presentation in November of last year. I was moved by her willingness to offer support to those most impacted by the project while firmly advocating to GE’s representatives for a safe and productive cleanup. I was in the early days of my own civic-engagement journey and was looking to connect with local leaders around the topic of the cleanup. Leigh took my call. She listened to my concerns and shared her knowledge and perspective of the project well. In the interactions I have had with her since, Leigh has consistently demonstrated herself as open and willing to connect with her neighbors and highly capable of facilitating constructive conversation. This is the type of leadership that makes me excited for the future.
Leigh has demonstrated herself as a valuable professional and civic participant across the industries and communities that make up Berkshire County’s 3rd District. For me, this is clear indication that she will be a natural when it comes to building the relationships that will allow for effective legislation and strong representation in the State House.
If you don’t know Leigh yet, I hope you will reach out and get to know her.
Don’t forget to vote on both September 3 and November 5. It is Leigh Davis for me.
Jared Weber
Lenox
Leigh Davis is the perfect person to become our next state representative
August 13, 2024
To the editor:
As the owner of Domaney’s Liquors and Fine Wines, a small business in Great Barrington, I have seen Leigh Davis consistently support small businesses in our town. Leigh has worked with great effort on the Finance Committee and now as vice chair of the Selectboard. I have known her for many years now and have been continuously impressed with how hard she works for our community. Leigh has always been available to talk when needed, whether I agree or not with a policy or how the town may be approaching an issue. I feel she embodies Berkshire culture and is kind and giving. Leigh would be the perfect person to become our next state representative. I know she is running against two credible people, but I have to give my thumbs up to her. I think she will do an outstanding job as a state representative. Please vote, and please consider voting for Leigh!
Ed Domaney
Great Barrington
Patrick White is the most qualified candidate
August 12, 2024
To the editor:
I believe that many of the towns in the Berkshires are facing unprecedented challenges in their illustrious history: unaffordable housing, aging infrastructures that need tremendous influxes of capital, an aging population that needs to find ways to attract and keep younger generations in the area, environmental consequences of global warming, etc. The list goes on and on. The Berkshires are at a critical junction as a county, as much as we are at a critical point as a nation. The decisions we make today will ultimately impact the future for generations to come. I urge voters to choose the best qualified candidate to represent us in Boston, rather than making it a popularity contest. We need a candidate that understands politics, but also understands the needs of the community. We need a candidate that has the experience and intellectual capacity to weigh different problems and solutions and to implement them, even if they are not popular choices. Patrick White is that candidate. If you have met Patrick and spoken to him, it is clear he will try to choose the right road, even if it is not the road well travelled, or the one with fancy rest stops along the way. We need someone that will make decisions based on what is right for our future and the future of our children. Vote wisely.
Andrew Berens
Housatonic
We need Patrick White’s critical thinking skills in Boston to face the rural health crisis
August 12, 2024
To the editor:
I am writing to give my full support to Patrick White running for state representative the 3rd Berkshire District.
As a recently retired public health doctor who has dedicated his career to assuring that quality healthcare is available and accessible to all, I found Patrick White to have the insight and awareness of this very complex crisis we face in Berkshire County.
In speaking with Patrick on several occasions, I found him to be thoughtful, intelligent, and honest about the role state government can play in helping to address this crisis. He understands that recruitment must come with retention of healthcare practitioners. To attract and retain practitioners to the rural communities of the Berkshires, we must consider their families, affordable housing, loan forgiveness in exchange for a time commitment. Perhaps, we must work with medical schools to engage with future practitioners, providing insight into the practice opportunities of rural medicine in primary care, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and geriatric medicine.
In addition, Patrick opened up the discussion to include first responders from the various towns throughout the Berkshires as a key link with practitioners in rural communities.
Patrick White has demonstrated to me that he understands this issue and all its complexities, asking insightful and intelligent questions, ready to build realistic solutions with all the stakeholders.
We need the type of critical thinking and demonstrated abilities that Patrick White has to represent the rural communities of western Massachusetts in Boston on this and many other critical issues.
Timothy G Wighton, M.D., Dr.PH
Otis
Patrick White is a candidate we can trust
August 12, 2024
To the editor:
Long before the race for 3rd Berkshire District state representative seat began, I have known Patrick White to be deeply interested in learning about the concerns of people—not just the people of Stockbridge whom he represents as a member of that Select Board, but people in surrounding towns as well.
My contact with Patrick White began when he emerged as a champion for residents who have long suffered unsafe water issues in Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Great Barrington. We are a vulnerable community, unrepresented by town officials who have been in a position, for many years, to utilize their influence, jurisdiction, and protect our public health. For years we waited for updates that would offer real hope that water insecurity would not last forever. Patrick has been the only town official I have known who was willing to speak for, speak out, and speak to us about what needs to be done. He is not the kind of representative who secrets his opinions in “Executive Session.”
Patrick addresses concerns about affordable housing; health, water, and food insecurity; and the economic balance of being both a resort area and hometown. His suggestions and resources empower citizens, mobilize communities, enlist state support, and offer hope when there isn’t much hope to be found.
I have learned a lot about the way state government operates and how it impacts our region simply by attending opportunities to meet and greet Patrick. He is practical and does not just deliver answers we want to hear, but insights into the challenges we face as a district. His respect for citizens is demonstrated by his open discussion and ability to demystify difficult problems. He sees us as allies working together to improve quality of life for people who live here.
Patrick White is fearless and hard working. I believe he will be our best ally in state government.
Donna Jacobs
Great Barrington
Patrick White is a man of action
August 10, 2024
To the editor:
I am supporting and will be voting for Patrick White for state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District. I had the opportunity to serve on the Regional School District Planning Board for several years with Patrick. Patrick is a dedicated, devoted, and show-up-for-the-work man. He is not afraid to discuss the difficult issues and to dig deep for solutions. Patrick is a passionate, creative thinker and a problem solver with a unique ability to think outside the box. As a selectman from a different town, I have benefited from his knowledge and experience. Patrick understands town budgets and what we need from the state to be able to provide the best for the citizens.
Patrick is a man of action. If you have a problem, Patrick is going to find you a solution. He is smart and thoughtful. He was raised in our community and understands the unique issues of living and serving in our rural communities. He knows and understands the unique area he will serve. I know Partick personally, and I know when he is our state representative, when I need him, he will take my call and help me find the solutions for my town. The 3rd Berkshire District deserves a person willing to work and work hard for its citizens.
Nadine Hawver
Sheffield
NOTE: Nadine Hawver is chair of the Sheffield Select Board; however, she writes the above as a private citizen.
I support Leigh Davis because none of the other candidates match her record
August 10, 2024
To the editor:
For too many years, I did not take local elections seriously enough. Even though I ran a political action committee (PAC) and was mentored by accomplished political and campaign organizers, I failed to heed their advice to learn about the local candidates and what their policies meant for my area. While I watched the Republican Party develop strong political ties across rural America, I now see that, like most Democrats, I was very negligent. No more. Like Tip O’Neil said, all politics is local, and I have heeded his call to look and learn about important local politics. Now I have the chance, right here in Berkshire County, to pay attention to my choice for state representative. For months, I have been reading the candidates’ statements, attending their forums, and visiting their websites. I am not going to let this election go by unexamined.
Prior to a move to Lenox, I lived in South Egremont. Living in South Egremont, I was particularly attuned to the goings on in Great Barrington. Over some years, I watched Leigh Davis serve on its Selectboard. She is a very impressive person and leader. I liked that she would identify an issue and solve it. I have looked at the other candidates in the race for Smitty Pignatelli’s seat. They all seem like they care, but none match Leigh Davis when it comes to doing. I am not asking you to take my word for it; I am asking you to carefully study the candidates’ records. I think past performance is a clue to candidates’ abilities. And it is not surprising to me that groups that reflect my political thinking—Planned Parenthood, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts Nurses Association, Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, National Association of Social Workers, SEIU Local 1199, and Service Employees International Union 509—have all endorsed Leigh Davis. They see that Leigh is a true leader; there is a good reason they all endorsed her! I support Leigh Davis because I have watched her and know that she is by far the most qualified to represent the 3rd Berkshire District. Local politics matter. Please take the time to look at Leigh Davis and the other three candidates (something these major endorsers must have done). If you take the time, I know you will want to vote for Leigh Davis on September 3, as well.
Jane Glaser
Lenox
