Walker works to revive Worcester County Selectman's Association

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

Charlton, MA. Charlton Selectman Kathleen Walker, initiated a discussion last spring that brought the Worcester County Selectman’s Association back to life Friday, September 14, as numerous area selectmen met at the Shrewsbury Town Hall to discuss how their combined efforts and resources could be applied to their shared problems.

Walker, with the assistance of the staff of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), worked to invite selectmen from the county’s 64 cities and towns to come together after a ten year hiatus. “We so badly need to work together to solve the problems our towns and cities face today,” Walker explained. “And, we need to work together as one voice in order to get real attention and resources from Beacon Hill applied to our growing needs.”

Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) spoke to those assembled at the Town Hall and gave an update on the many issues facing the State Legislature in the coming year. Joseph Monteclavo, former Selectman from Northbridge, bought in the association’s old by-laws and a bank account containing $5 that was still in effect and waiting for new leadership to take over. Tom Philbin and Pat Mikes from the MMA educated everyone regarding the work of the MMA, MSA and LGAG and how they will provide support for the fledgling organization until it is able to move ahead on its own.

The attendance was encouraging and another breakfast meeting is planned for October 26th at 8 a.m. at the Shrewsbury Town Hall. The meeting will end at 9:30 sharp so that all can get back to their responsibilities.

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Kathleen Walker is the Democratic candidate for state representative in the 6th Worcester District, which includes Dudley, Southbridge, and precincts in Charlton and Spencer. She has pledged to work hard to create the same type of collaborative environment in the District’s towns as she has initiated at this meeting.

For more information, please call the campaign at 774-452-0697.