Mass Voters for animals endorsement
Fixing the Problem With Fixing Bridges/August 17
Patrick White for State Representative
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In This Issue:
Fixing the Problem With Fixing Bridges
Teaching a Class on Good Government This Fall at OLLI
Letters to the Editor
Fixing the Problem With Fixing Bridges
You can’t open the paper these days without reading about bridge closures. Here’s how we fix the systemic problem of fixing bridges.
First, let’s acknowledge this isn’t easy. Construction inflation is massive. The project I am directing, the Old Town Hall renovation in Stockbridge, ballooned in price from a $4 million estimate just a few years ago to over $8 million in actual construction costs. Bridges are no different, as we are seeing with the Brookside Bridge in Great Barrington, which tripled from under $4 million to $11.6 million.
Here are three ways we can address the issue of bridges.
First, Select Boards and Finance Committees must end the penny-wise and pound-foolish strategy of deferring maintenance. Bridges that can be maintained now should be. Once they are condemned and mandated by the state for replacement, the cost can go up by a factor of ten. Add to that inflation, and it’s a double whammy.
Second, the state should allow for and create a database of bridge designs. Imagine, you need a 150-foot bridge replaced. Right now, you must spend millions on design and engineering. Why not have a database of pre-designed options to choose from, with ready-to-go engineering? Here’s where the public interest and special interests diverge. You see, there is an entire cottage industry in Massachusetts of specialized, high-priced bridge engineering firms, some of which are owned by, wait for it, ex-Massachusetts officials, owners who make big bucks one-off designing these bridges. The Legislature needs to buck the special interests and embrace this commonsense reform.
Third, make money cheaper. Anyone who has ever financed a car knows that borrowing at 1%-3% is a much smaller payment than borrowing at 5%-7%. The state has reserves of $9 billion of your money in the bank. Your state government already allows for borrowing for water projects at interest rates well below 2%. Let’s expand this program to allow municipalities to borrow at similarly lower rates. Your annual taxes to keep your bridges open would be lower if your payments on the loan to fix them were lower.
Many of our problems seem intractable. They are not. They just need common sense, a commitment to the public interest, and bold leadership that never bows to special interests.
That’s why I am running to be your representative for the 3rd District.
"Would you consider hosting a sign on your lawn?"
Teaching a Class on Good Government This Fall at OLLI
Looking forward to teaching an OLLI class this fall with Town Administrator Michael Canales. There's an open house Tuesday, October 13 at 10am at the BCC campus. Stop by and say hi! You can register for the class on the OLLI website
Here's the course description
This course offers an exploration of the structure and functions of local government in the Berkshires, providing a foundation for anyone aspiring to contribute, whether as a volunteer, a candidate for public office, an employee, or an informed citizen. The course will emphasize issue advocacy and political considerations, as well as best practices for sound management, ensuring that learners understand the tools needed to make effective and efficient decisions in local government.
The curriculum bridges public management theory with real-world practice, covering topics such as effective advocacy, budgeting and financial management, human resources management challenges, and strategic leadership. Participants will learn how each municipal official's role is integral to the overall health and success of a community, fostering a holistic understanding of local governance.
Through case studies and interactive discussions, learners will understand how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, making them assets to any municipality.
Patrick White is entering his fifth year on the Stockbridge Select Board. He has also served on its Conservation Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Cemetery Commission, Cultural Council, and Affordable Housing Trust. He has authored several town bylaws that were adopted at Town Meeting, chaired the state Municipal Vulnerabilities Program implementation, and served on the Regional School District Planning Board. He is a past entrepreneur and current Chief Financial Officer of the local nonprofit that is renovating Stockbridge’s Old Town Hall for use as a high school.
Michael Canales brings over 25 years of extensive municipal experience as a town and city administrator. Having served in Clarksburg, North Adams, and now Stockbridge, Michael Canales has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills, overseeing budgets ranging from $3 million to $45 million and managing teams of up to 150 staff members. He is a certified Assessor, Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official, Public Information Officer, and trained in Incident Command Systems. In his spare time, he has coached a number of sports teams as well.
Letters to the Editor
Thanks to everyone who wrote such great letters in support of my campaign. You can read them at this link:
https://www.patrickwhiteberkshires.com/letters.html
I also included some great ones that came in last year when I ran for reelection. Those heartfelt letters helped propel me to a historic win with the highest voter count and turn-out in my Town's modern history.
Say hi to Julie Miner, daughter of Bruce Miner and Theresa Zanetti, one of 87 exhibitors at the Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show this weekend, August 17 & 18 on Main Street.
Want to Learn More?
Please consider supporting my candidacy to represent you in the State House. To learn more, visit https://www.patrickwhiteberkshires.com
Campaigns are a team effort. We only have two weeks left until election day. I could use more help with phone calls, door knocking, and especially at the polls in all 18 towns on election day. And of course, write a letter if you have something to share! Let me know if you can help.
Please fill out this form linked here or reply to this email to sign up! Once you do, my campaign manager, Bridget, will set up a time to walk you through the process, answer any questions, and get you started.
You can donate by clicking here:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/patrick-3rd
Or you can mail a check to:
Patrick Thomas White Committee
81 Hawthorne Street
Lenox, MA 01240
We had a solid fundraising week and have now reached over 90% of my primary goal. Thanks for any help you can provide. I am in it to win it and am running to effect real change. I'd love to have your support.
Warmly,
Patrick White
PS: You can find detailed positions on my campaign website:
https://www.patrickwhiteberkshires.com
Happy heavenly anniversary to my parents Russ and Veronica White. Tomorrow would have been their 68th wedding anniversary. They moved to Lenox in 1957, to Stockbridge in 1960, and lived the rest of their lives here together.
Previous Newsletter Articles from the Campaign
I write my own articles — on this website, in my newsletters, and mailers. These are my genuine thoughts, and I stand by each word.
Feel free to explore a few articles. You'll discover detailed policy positions covering a wide range of topics, demonstrating my commitment to serving you effectively as your State Representative.
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