Hopefuls discuss climate issues, storm readiness

3RD BERKSHIRE HOUSE DISTRICT CANDIDATE FORUM

BY STEN SPINELLA

The Berkshire Eagle

All four candidates running for state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli’s seat for the 3rd Berkshire District agreed on one thing during Wednesday’s climate-focused forum: Whoever wins must be proactive in securing money for storm readiness.

Storm readiness and vulnerabilities, clean energy, PCBs and other environmental issues were discussed during the forum, hosted by 350 Mass Berkshires, a chapter of 350 Mass. The group, which advocates for environmental policy, hosted the event via Zoom. Susan Purcer from 350 Mass Berkshires moderated the proceedings, along with Nick Pacella.

All four candidates for the seat — Great Barrington Select Board Vice Chair Leigh Davis, Stockbridge Select Board member Jamie Minacci, Lenox Select Board member Marybeth Mitts and Stockbridge Select Board member Patrick White — were present. With less than two weeks until the primary election, candidates shared their views on the environmental issues facing the state and the district.

Davis, Minacci and White are competing on the Democratic ballot for the Sept. 3 primary, while Mitts is unaffiliated and will face the winner of the primary in the general election, which takes place Nov. 5.

The four candidates all have climate/ environmental bonafides. White is on the State Committee Climate Advisory Board and has been involved in saving the Ash and Hemlock trees of Ice Glen. Minacci is the chair of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, and had a hand in bringing microtransit to Stockbridge.

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