To the Editor:

This letter is in support of Susan Puddester and Chris Kapiloff for positions on the Williamstown Planning Board.

As longtime residents of Williamstown experienced in town governance, we are very concerned about the future of our community. We are confronted with a declining population, and without growth in our tax base, it will be increasingly difficult to meet the financial needs of our schools and other critical municipal operations.

Williamstown recently completed an in-depth economic development plan that articulated the need to attract people and businesses. We need to make it clear to potential investors that the town will work with them to maximize their chance of success. Investors have a lot of communities to choose from, and we have a lot to offer. We need to articulate our strengths and demonstrate that investing here is a good personal and business decision. We risk turning away potential investment in our town if we put unreasonable roadblocks in the way of reasonable development.

Fortunately, at its meeting on April 28, the Planning Board got closer to a compromise regarding the development of the Waubeeka Golf Course, a compromise that should have been achieved many months ago. A positive decision that meets the needs of both town and applicant will send the right message to other potential investors.

Please join us on May 10 in voting for Planning Board candidates Susan Puddester and Chris Kapiloff. They have an understanding of the challenges we face as a community and will bring insight and balance critical to the deliberations of the Planning Board.

Jane Allen, Jack Madden & David Rempell
Williamstown, Mass.

All three signers are former members of the Williamstown Board of Selectmen

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