Editorial: To Govern or Not to Govern

This week the Town ceded responsibility for permitting to a private entity — a condominium association (see the notes from the Select Board below for the specifics). Over the last few years, Stockbridge has ceased to impose penalties for infractions of our bylaws. There is no law without consequences.

Folks who did not wish to obey our bylaws, hired lawyers. Granted lawyers and lawsuits are chilling, but neither relieves the Town of its duty to govern. Nor should the playground-bully approach to avoiding compliance ever intimidate the Town.

"Ha-ha I did it anyway. So, what are you going to do about it, Stockbridge?"

Once upon a time, Stockbridge made them fix it — tear it down if necessary. The Town governed — our bylaws were carefully written and scrupulously enforced. Almost three hundred years later, Stockbridge has open space, clean air and water, and a low tax rate without congestion — it's a hat trick. One that we should never take for granted or forget how to do.

Stockbridge is run by the people, really. However, to do so, they need the facts. CTSB and Stockbridge Updates works to provide the facts. Some don't like that. I don't know why; maybe transparency isn't universally popular. Nevertheless, the public needs to be informed to be involved, so I watch, report, and ask questions. Here are a few:

For the Water and Sewer Commission (WSC): at a Select Board meeting, WSC told Patrick Sheehan (owner of 37 Interlaken), that the sewer has the capacity for the almost 300 new houses Sheehan proposed building. At other meetings, WSC said the sewer system is "at capacity". It can't be both, so here's my question: which is it?
For the Planning Board: PB has tabled much previously on the agenda — for example, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Open Space planning. In addition, PB has suggested transferring enforcement of the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) bylaw from PB to Conservation Commission. Here's my question: what is PB doing?
For the people. This week, the Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) will submit its final recommendation. Schools are important and a major piece of the Stockbridge budget. At Town Meeting we will have to vote to participate or withdraw. Here's my question: why aren't we informed and involved?
A strong opponent of RTE wrote that he would "whole-heartedly support" RTE if wealthy primary residents would relinquish their right to RTE. That is not what the law says. Here's my question: who decides on what basis how wealth is determined — income, net worth, property valuation, something else?

Our bylaws worked and for years we all benefitted. We the people need to pick up the reins and govern. If there is anything Stockbridge Updates can do or do better, let us know. An informed electorate can move mountains.

Carole Owens
Managing Editor

Photo: Blue Moon Images/Dana Goedewaagen