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I would appreciate a timely correction. This is what I actually said at the meeting: I'm really confused. The assumption [of the proposed, revised ADU language] is that if it were a part-time resident that purchased the property, they would be renting both units, rather than the part-time resident buys the property and rents out the ADU — maybe to a town person — who lives in town and rents it as an apartment. Why is the assumption that [a part-time resident] is going to rent out both as short-term rentals? If you had adequate rules around the short-time rentals you wouldn't have to assume that. But because you're not actually regulating the commercialization of the short-term rentals, you're then just penalizing who can build an ADU. It's just a curious question. The assumption is that a part-time resident cannot build an ADU for the good of the town, only a full-time resident can. I just find that an interesting question.

Regards,

Patty Caya

Dear Carole,

There will be a citizen's petition article on the Annual Town warrant to allow voters to decide if members of the finance committee will be elected in the future rather than appointed by the town moderator.

It is not about the qualifications of the current members of the finance committee which seems to be the way that it has been interpreted by the committee chair and members. The last two finance committee meetings have been spent discussing their bios and how to reflect in their minutes that they are qualified. We trust that they are qualified or wouldn't have been appointed.

It is doubtful that those who wrote the original bylaw foresaw the possibility of the same person being moderator and appointing all committee members for over 43 years. Times change and that's why bylaws can be amended.

The Democratic Town Committee formerly endorsed electing representatives to this important committee because it is more transparent and more democratic. It gives all who wish to serve — including the present members — the opportunity to run and all voters the right to choose.

• As present members' terms expire, the seat will on the ballot and any interested party can run.
• Present committee members will be able to run as incumbents as well as other interested townspeople
• An informed electorate will choose who sits on the committee.

Thank you for Stockbridge Updates and all you do to keep us informed!

Best wishes,

Anita Schwerner, Chair, Democratic Town Committee

Photo: James Lawson