From our Candidates

Jamie Minacci, Select Board Candidate

Dear Updates,

I recently made the decision to run for Selectboard in the next election. I once vacillated about this and sought out pros & cons from many of my local and not so local friends. In the end it was simple. I love this town and the people, and I want to help make a change. I want us to go back to open communication and decisions made for the people about growth, stability, and the future of Stockbridge.

I have chosen to do civic work for Stockbridge before this, to give back to my community. It helps me pay back the love, care, and support from my children's teachers, the postmistress, coffee store owners, librarians, the highway department for plowing our streets, our local police. It helps me support our hiking trails at Gould Meadows, our beautiful Stockbridge Bowl, and all the other unique features of our town. My deep commitment to civic engagement in town includes serving on the Conservation Commission, the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (as Chair), the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee, and Stockbridge representative of the Great Barrington Transportation committee. I also work full time for the Town of Lenox Public Schools.

There are many things that have caused me restless nights of uncertainty. I do not want to trade our character, natural resources, and heritage for quick profits for a few. We are unique. We need to preserve what is special here. If together we plan ahead, as a transparent, open community, we will make good choices.

Stockbridge is an iconic blend of timeless beauty, culture, and history. Stockbridge is the friends we make and see at the transfer station, sit next to on a committee, or even disagree with at a Town meeting. Stockbridge is the interwoven friendships, the communal sharing of resources — financial, intellectual, and human.

We need to let all our voices be heard, and make sure not just one opinion or one interest is being served. Democratic values are not served from behind closed doors or in hushed voices in a corner.

So, I ask and encourage ALL of you to speak up. Listen to what is important in your heart and mind, about your neighbors and your town. And I will do the same along with you and help us all keep Stockbridge the jewel we hold close to our hearts.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jamie Minacci

Photo: Jay Rhind