Dear Neighbor,

As you may know, on May 11 we have a contested election for the Selectboard in Williamstown. I hope you will consider voting for me for a second term.

I was elected Selectman in 2007 and currently serve as vice chairman. It has been an honor and privilege serving you, and, at times, a humbling experience.

During the last three years, I have focused on efforts to revitalize our downtown and to maintain the efficient government operations that have helped Williamstown survive the national financial crisis without an adverse effect on town services. In addition, I was elected by the Selectboard members of our neighboring towns to be the Northern Berkshire delegate to the Metropolitan Planning Organization of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, which plans and allocates Mass. Highway funds for transportation projects in Berkshire County.

I am committed to:

• Broadening participation in town governance by reaching out to people with a wide range of views to serve on town committees;
• An open and inclusive government, bringing people together to solve problems and listening to everyone’s point of view;
• Continued efforts to revitalize our downtown; and
• Keeping our town affordable for both young families and longtime residents, while maintaining our outstanding schools.

I am a member of the Massachusetts bar. In 2003, I retired from the New York State Attorney General’s Office after 23 years of service, where I worked directly under Elliott Spitzer, heading up the litigation bureau with a staff of over 120. I am currently a part-time Administrative Law Judge and also serve as a Guardian ad litem (friend of the Court) for the Probate and Family Court of the Commonwealth. Since moving to Williamstown, I have worked on a number of civic activities, including serving on the Board of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, where I served in 2008 as co-president.

I hope to continue providing the type of leadership on the Selectboard that we need to reach consensus on some of the difficult issues facing the town.

Please vote at the town elections on May 11th. The polls at the Elementary School are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., or you may vote absentee at the Town Clerk’s Office if that is more convenient.

Sincerely,
Ron Turbin