Closing Thoughts: Primary Election/Sept. 2

Patrick White for State Representative

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In This Issue:

My Closing Thoughts — Patrick White

Closing Thoughts — Carole Owens, Treasurer

My Closing Thoughts

Patrick White

A vote is an expression of trust, and I have always felt voters have the right to know where a candidate stands. That's why I started writing these notes: to define the issues and how I will address them. I have written 24 of these notes; this is the 25th. We face complex challenges.

Six months ago, Smitty retired. I announced I would run to fill the seat.

I am of the firm belief that voters make the best decisions when informed. I trust the voters. I trust you understand the complexities we face. I avoid sound bites. I am skeptical of special interests. The only special interests for me are my constituents' needs.

Here's a quick review of our most pressing challenges.

We need better paying jobs that support raising a family. We have to revive our local middle class.

We need to address ambulance and emergency medical services. As we get older, the need gets greater and the volunteer pool gets smaller.

We need to pay more attention to cancer and its causes in the Berkshires. This is especially relevant to the proposed "clean-up" of the Housatonic River. We have the data but we don't need it: we all know someone.

We need investment in infrastructure and a plan to pay for it. Keep the bridges open, the roads paved, and the calls from dropping.

We need to focus on affordability. Every dollar of a household budget comes from the same checkbook — I want to save you every dollar I can.

We care about our community. We have that in common, so let's work together. The Berkshires are darn close to perfect, but there is always more to do. Let's keep it up as we always have — roll up our sleeves, get to work, and solve each problem as we encounter it.

Thanks for your consideration. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, September 3rd if you haven't already.

Patrick White
Candidate for Berkshire 3rd

PS: I've written extensively on these topics. Visit www.patrickwhiteberkshires.com. I focus on solutions that make government work for you, not just more talk.

Thanks John Boyle, the only Democrat on the Dalton Select Board!

Closing Thoughts from Carole Owens

2024 has been a unique and very interesting year. I did some things unusual for me: I ran for office, and I served on the campaign for Patrick White as he ran for office. It all looks different from the inside. Let me share with you.

I am a retired doctor and writer. Neither intersect with politics. So first, why did I overtly support one candidate? Full disclosure, Patrick and I are good friends; we don't have secrets. I see the wonderful and I see the warts. I have, I hope, a good number of friends and don't consider that good reason to recommend them for office. So, why Patrick?

Patrick is running because he actually wants to do the job. Do you know how rare that is? I would love to say that is because we have no problems. Sadly, that isn't so.

Second, Patrick wants to solve our problems. He offers solutions, does the best he can to institute them, and his best has been pretty darn good. Think every politician does? I refer you back to paragraph three. Politicians want to highlight problems, define problems, and use problems to promote their own campaigns. Solve problems? So much harder.

Finally, two nights ago, I went to the Smitty Pignatelli birthday dinner and celebration of his political career. Speakers all said Smitty was kind — cared about others — focused on us and our needs not himself and his needs. They said Smitty had two ears and one mouth for a reason; he was a patient and compassionate listener. Five years, daily contact, through fights and fun, I can tell you — that is Patrick White. He believes as I do: every human being deserves dignified response. If you love Smitty, you're going to love Patrick.

I ran because I love Stockbridge; so does Patrick. We share a love of the Berkshires. We share an interest in government and causing it to work on behalf of, and never against, the people. Patrick believes that absolutely and sincerely. That's why I ran and that's why I support Patrick.

Carole Owens
Campaign Treasurer and Advisor, Patrick Thomas White Committee

Carole Owens making the case!

Patrick and Carole hum Beethoven's 9th/Ode to Joy, in response to Tanglewood traffic.

Thanks for the endorsement, Lenox legend Charlie Flint!

Michele Marantz of Dalton, one of three Berkshire County delegates to the Chicago convention, dropped off some mementos last night. Love the socks! And the postcard!

Sisters Joanna and Shirley live together in Stockbridge in the same house where they grew up. They are pictured here holding their dolls in 1934. I snapped a photo of them holding the same dolls at Shirley's birthday party. They are both daughters of famed local architect and engineer Joseph Franz, who designed and built the Tanglewood Music Shed. Like a lot of us on a fixed budget, they worry about how to make ends meet. These are the folks I work for and I will never forget it. Shirley, Joanna, thank you so much for your support.

Thanks to former Great Barrington Select Board member Ed Abrahams for your support.

Thanks to Lee Select Board members Bob Jones for your support. Bob’s relentless fight in the Rest of River Cleanup to secure the health and safety of Lee citizens and the residents along the Housatonic River Corridor is nothing short of inspiring. His support means a great deal to me as we continue to work together to protect the safety of citizens and demand transparency and fair treatment from GE. Thank you, Bob, for standing with me and all you do for Lee and its neighbors.

Tim Gray is a warrior. He's been fighting the fight to hold GE accountable since the early 1990s. Thanks Tim. I am humbled.

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.