BOSTON — State Senator Paul W. Mark has announced that his staff will hold office hours at five locations in Berkshire County during the month of May.
Residents of the Senator's Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are invited to discuss state legislation or seek assistance with state agencies. No appointments are necessary.
The office hours will be held at the following times and locations:
Adams: Tuesdays, May 6th and May 20th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Town Hall, 8 Park St.
Dalton: Monday, May 5th, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 40 Field St.
Great Barrington: Mondays, May 5th and May 19th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Town Hall, 334 Main St.
North Adams: Tuesdays, May 6th and May 20th, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the MCLA Alumni Relations Building, 228 E. Main St.
Pittsfield: Thursdays, May 8th and May 29th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the District Office, 773 Tyler St.
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BRPC Votes in New Director, Bids Farewell to Matuszko
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The BRPC board voted Thursday to make Laura Brennan its next executive director.
Brennan is the economic development program manager for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. She has been in the role since July 2023 but has been with BRPC since 2017, first serving as the senior planner of economic development.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania and earned a graduate-level certificate in local government leadership and management from Suffolk University.
Brennan was the preferred candidate the Executive Search Committee, which voted last week to present her and candidate Jason Zogg to the full committee. Zogg withdrew his application on Wednesday.
Board members congratulated Brennan, who was in attendance, with Chair Douglas McNally saying they have her back.
The commission voted to create a three-person negotiation subcommittee with executive committee members Malcolm Fick, Buck Donovan, and Sam Haupt. They will negotiate benefits, compensation, and terms of employment.
Brennan will be taking over for retiring Executive Director Thomas Matuszko. Matuszko was appointed as executive director in 2018, having previously been a principal planner from 1997 to 2000 and then assistant director from 2001. The new director will be the fourth in nearly 60 years.
Matuszko gave his last executive director report, amending the bylaws and changing the wordage to be more inclusive among other notes.
McNally said he was grateful that he made sure to do that before his leave.
Since it was Matuszko's last meeting those in attendance thanked him for his time at the BRPC.
"I had to just say you have had a huge positive impact on the Berkshires and thank you," said McNally.
"Thanks for my internship, Tom, 20-plus years ago, and everything you've done for Berkshire County," said Sarif and Matuszko said he was happy to still see her here after this long.
"I think Laura has learned a lot from you, and so she'll just be able to carry on. And so tonight is a great night for Berkshire County," said Christine Rasmussen.
"It's really, it's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed it almost all the time," said Matuszko. "There have been only very few times that hasn't been extremely enjoyable and satisfying. So I mostly appreciate the support that you all have given me and delegates and alternates over the years have given me and provide our staff."
He urged them to have the same relationship with Brennan, and provide her the help and support to be successful.
"Thank you for all you've provided me with an opportunity, a great opportunity. I couldn't have asked for a better career."
After five meetings, the Planning Board voted to deny Berkshire Concrete's special permit, however, the company can still reapply before its current permit expires. click for more
The City Council has approved a tax agreement to transform a historical downtown property into housing, and an effort to designate a local historical district in that area. click for more
Students at Wahconah Regional High School are urging the state to fully fund Rural School Aid that supports essential services that shape their future.
click for more
The fire station on West Housatonic Street has been temporarily closed after radon levels were found to be more than twice the normal amount. click for more
