Sunday, September 20, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

HomeViewpoints

Viewpoints

JOHN BREASTED: The Great Barrington Selectboard’s credibility gap

Transparency does not require officials to reveal legal strategy. It does require them to tell voters when the town has been sued.

The case for the national popular vote

Legislation like HB.965, recently signed in Virginia, moves us closer to a system where the candidate who wins the most individual votes nationwide wins the White House.

Another vote for Pat Levine for Sheffield Select Board

Voters have elected Pat several times as a library trustee. The Select Board has appointed her to many annual positions. She has shown get-it-done leadership and has ruffled some feathers in transitioning the Board of Health to a fully functioning board. She listens, discusses, and can bring together diverse opinions.

BRIGHT SPOTS: Week of May 6, 2026

Raise the minimum wage to $25, living wage for all. Stop the war of choice in Iran! Inquiry launched into the Department of Justice’s politically motivated prosecution of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a preeminent civil rights organization. Reclaim democracy after Supreme Court decision undermining Voting Rights Act.

An educator at his core, Dick Burke is the right person to be on the Lenox School Committee

Dick knows what it takes to build a thriving learning environment, and perhaps more importantly, he knows what students need to succeed once they leave it. That combination of experience and genuine investment in young people is rare.

Lenox is worth showing up for

Two years ago, I ran for Select Board for the first time and earned 673 votes in a high-turnout contest, coming within 14 votes of a tie. Since then, I have tried to do what I said I would do: stay engaged, listen, learn, and keep showing up.

Why I’m running for Great Barrington Finance Committee

Difficult challenges require careful thinking, and we need people in town government who can both ask the right questions and analyze the data to find solutions.

I am endorsing Pat Levine for Sheffield Select Board because she will help the town invest in its future

Sheffield is a wonderful town. Fiscally sound, low taxes, great schools, and solid public safety. We have a lot to be proud of. But a wonderful town doesn't stay that way by standing still. It grows thoughtfully and invests in its future. Pat understands this.

I WITNESS: New fashion accessories for formal occasions

I used to attend Gay Pride events—no more. I used to attend charitable fundraisers—no more. I used to attend campaign rallies—no more. I am now terrified.

Cancer is the club nobody wants to join

I am writing this to help anyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, or is in remission, to have them recognize that there is and will always be hope.

Vote ‘No’ on Article 3 at Great Barrington Town Meeting

The town manager has structured the warrant so that a vote against the override is a vote against lifeguards, public safety, and veterans' organizations. That is not budgeting. That is hostage-taking.

As a mother, I recognized Matthew Rutledge’s red flags at Miss Hall’s. Why didn’t the school?

If I could sense that Rutledge was a dangerous man and act to effectively protect my daughter, why couldn’t the adults and administrators at Miss Hall's School do the same to protect the young girls under their care?

Lee’s Earth Day celebration

Earth Day began as a grassroots effort, and it still is. We greatly appreciate each and every volunteer who helped this year.

STEPHEN COHEN: The straits and a possible negotiation

The strait is closed, increasing the price of oil, thus benefitting our enemy, and we are actively involved in closing it as much as Iran.

Trump and his cronies have embarrassed the U.S. on the world stage

Among my friends and former colleagues is the sense that the America they once respected and admired is disappearing. In its place is a rogue state led by Trump and his cronies who behave like cruel Mafia bosses, ruining the country and threatening the world with wars and climate changes and economic disruption.

Our lifeline on four wheels: Why Great Barrington must say yes to new ambulances

Great Barrington has always understood that some services are too important to be left to chance. We fund the fire department. We fund the schools. We maintain the roads. Emergency medical services belong squarely on that list.

Pat Levine for Sheffield Select Board

I cannot imagine a more able, articulate, and committed person. She is a careful listener and the most effective of doers and organizers.