To the editor:
I’m writing to wholeheartedly support Patrick White for our next 3rd Berkshire District representative. Patrick “walks the walk” and strives to bring basic fairness and improve the quality of life for fellow Berkshire residents. For Patrick, facing problematic realities, even when controversial or many feel helpless, is preferable to avoiding or ignoring them. He believes that positive changes need to be doggedly pursued even if achieved incrementally. He has the optimism, energy, intelligence, principles, breadth of skills, competence, and experience to be effective.
Patrick takes initiative and jumps in because he cares and is willing to put in the time and effort in to make a difference, even when success is not guaranteed. An example is the Housatonic Water Works (HWW) situation. There are just 25 Stockbridge households that are served by HWW. Without being asked, Patrick volunteered to serve as an intervenor on behalf of the ratepayers of Housatonic, West Stockbridge, and Stockbridge. He used his finance skills to comb through the HWW request for a huge rate increase; understood that the company was asking ratepayers to finance what should be its responsibility; knew that financing options existed; and testified that after paying for hefty and needed improvements, the owner would accrue the financial benefits (not the ratepayers-customers). He began this advocacy long before Smitty’s seat opened up. Not for political gain, but because it was the right thing to do.
Similarly, in West Stockbridge, Patrick read about the rate increase requested by the new owner of Mill Pond Trailer Park. He realized that his expertise in this area would serve people who could not afford this increased cost of housing. His caring and advocacy combined with knowledge mattered.
I’ve known Patrick for a decade, and have worked with him on two non-profit boards. He is the most productive person I know. I’ve seen him happiest when he makes a positive difference in people’s daily lives – be it driving someone somewhere, spending Saturdays as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, or taking the time to study and respond to proposed increased housing rents or water rates on behalf of Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Housatonic residents.
I hope you will join me in voting for Patrick in the upcoming September 3 primary.
Laura Dubester
Stockbridge
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