In Depth
My campaign priorities are the issues that I believe are most important to the future of our district. Here, I share the details of the work I have done to address some of our biggest challenges, my legislative/policy vision, and how my track record speaks to my capacity to work effectively with and for all citizens living in our unique 3rd Berkshires District of Massachusetts.
Our Climate
REST OF RIVER
This is an issue of great importance to me and so many in our community. Over decades, GE contaminated the Housatonic River and surrounding floodplain, damaged our environment, and then devastated our communities by unceremoniously departing. Then, the citizens most directly impacted by GE’s acts were cut out of the negotiations leading to the 2020 Settlement Agreement.
Our Water
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
Housatonic Water Works Company customers deserve clean, safe drinking water at a reasonable price. It is incumbent upon the DPU and the DEP, the two state agencies responsible for regulating public drinking water supplies in the Commonwealth, to ensure this. While the proposed Settlement marks a step in the right direction, it must fully address the public interest. The longstanding issues of the HWWC have led to the current situation, which should have been addressed much earlier. It is crucial that the DPU thoroughly scrutinizes the origins of this crisis and its impact on customers.
Our Bridges
Brookside Road Bridge Closure
Despite being the largest individual geographic district in the state, the 3rd Berkshire District receives the smallest allocation of state resources for infrastructure. Most of the funding for bridges and roads, commonly referred to as “Chapter 90” funding, is disproportionately allocated to larger cities and the Mass Pike. This inequitable distribution of funds to our Berkshire communities is unacceptable and must be rectified. As your State Representative, I will prioritize our community’s infrastructure needs from day one and will advocate for a fairer allocation of state funds to ensure our district receives its rightful share. We must learn from the past and take proactive measures to prevent similar situations from occurring again.