CHARLEMONT — With news of state Sen. Stan Rosenberg’s resignation still fresh, the Greater Shelburne Falls Business Association’s annual spring breakfast took on a somber tone, as Association President John Baldwin and local legislators Stephen Kulik and Adam Hines reflected on how much Rosenberg has done for western Massachusetts in his three decades in office.
Rosenberg announced his resignation Thursday, after the Senate Ethics Committee found him innocent of violating formal rules but “guilty of a significant failure of judgment and leadership” for giving his estranged husband, an accused sexual predator, unrestricted access to the Senate.
“When I first ran for state rep. 25 years ago, Stan represented part of this region as well,” State Rep. Stephen Kulik said. “I know that (he) always had a very soft spot in his heart (for West County). We’re going to miss him.”
“It’s not been an easy week,” said State Sen. Adam Hinds. “There were very long sessions in our caucus. The feeling I’m left with is sadness. His impact to the region has been tremendous. … A lot of properties we see now with internet is a result of his hard work.”
The legislators spoke of items in the budget proposals that could help West County towns if they come to fruition.
The good news, according to Kulik, is that more money has been added to the House of Representatives version of the budget for regional school transportation, and that the House has increased money for the Massachusetts Cultural Council by $500,000 — an issue that prompted applause from the audience.
“I don’t feel the Baker-Polito administration values tourism,” Kulik remarked. “Tourism is the third-largest economic generator in the state, and we don’t put enough money into it.”
He said the House is also working on a health care reform bill, to control the rate of health care costs.
Hinds said legislators are looking at education funding and “how to address rural schools differently. In the budget, we’re going to be very deliberate in creating sparsity aid” for rural school systems with low enrollment and students from longer distances. Hinds remarked that he had been working with Rosenberg on this issue.
Hinds said the Legislature is working on bond bills for economic development and the environment. He said western Massachusetts “should be very clear on how we can use this.” For instance, he said, Rural Commonwealth might use it to create an economic hub in Charlemont, or the environmental bond bill could contain some money to bolster the development of hiking and biking trails, so that those going up to Vermont for that outdoor recreation could come to western Massachusetts as well.
Amy Shapiro of the Franklin County Community Development Corp. reported that, since getting a new freezer last fall, about $70,000 worth of food made at the CDC from local produce has been sold, benefiting local farms. She said the 28,000 square-foot freezer is “almost full,” and is expected to reach maximum capacity after this year’s harvest season.
“We’re working with many startups,” she said. “A lot of people who were born here — who moved away — are coming back. They want to raise their families here.”
The Business Association’s long-term strategic plan, presented by Whit Sanford, is to:
Strengthen West County’s identity as an extraordinary place to live, work, visit and play.
Promote the region as a four-season tourist destination.
Strengthen economic development and membership services.
Develop partnerships to support economic development.
This year was the first year since 1998 without a Marvin Shippee Community Service Award recipient, because of time restraints. The Business Association is currently without a director, but the breakfast event was put together through the volunteer efforts of its members.