Letter: Elect Deborah Maynard in Lanesborough

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To the Editor:

Why I'm voting for Deborah Maynard for the Lanesborough Select Board.

I have known Debbie for over 50 years. She is a person of high standards, moral values, intellect and integrity. Having worked with her, I know she possesses a strong work ethic, is competent, committed to excellence and takes pride the quality of her work.

She is active in the community and will bring to public service not only a vast amount of experience in municipal government but from life. Her common sense, character, experience and leadership abilities will guide her in the decision making that is necessary for the Select Board. Debbie grew up here, and is committed to preserving all she loves about this community.

Serving on the Select Board is not always an easy task in a small town. You're always accountable to friends and neighbors who may not always agree with your position. Debbie and I have not always agreed or held the same opinion on issues we've discussed. But Debbie is a listener and not only respects what others think and have to say, but knows you can frequently learn something from another point of view. She is not afraid to stand up, speak up and defend what she believes is right. She does so in a civil way. That, to me, is a clear demonstration of leadership. Being available, listening, asking questions and taking action make her an effective leader.

Debbie will do her very best to serve the interests of what is best for this small town.

She has served on the planning board, public safety building committee and is a volunteer for VITA. When there was a sudden staff turnover at Town Hall in the collector and treasurer offices, Debbie immediately stepped up and volunteered her expertise and time to keep the tax collector's office operating to ensure there would be no disruption of services for residents for the entire interim period. She did this out of devotion to her community.

She is a team player and will serve our community well. I encourage you to cast your vote on June 18 for Deborah Maynard.

Linda Pruyne
Lanesborough, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2024,   town elections,   

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Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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