LEVERETT — A focus on regional equity that will allow rural towns in her district to better access state money remains a priority for Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, even as she acknowledges Massachusetts faces significant headwinds from the federal government.
In an overview of her legislative work on behalf of Leverett and other communities in her district, Comerford told the Select Board Tuesday that she has emphasized getting representation for western Massachusetts on state boards, and identifying the ways in which direct appropriations, grant programs and services are not benefiting the region.
She describes her seven years on the job as building the social and political muscle that can reach Boston. “We are gaining traction in ways we weren’t in 2019,” Comerford said.
Comerford also praises Gov. Maura Healey for understanding that sparking economic growth and taking seriously the population decline in area communities is needed so Leverett and other small towns are not at even more of a disadvantage.
Comerford encouraged the Select Board to get behind her appeals for a Chapter 70 foundation review budget commission to address declining enrollment in schools. Already, she said, students in this part of the state aren’t getting a fair shake with their education compared to peers in well-to-do communities closer to Boston, with the formulas for how state money supports education penalizing districts with fewer students.
“I’m mad about that, I know you’re mad about that,” Comerford said.
Alrready, she has gotten a target local contribution committee established, and she and Rep Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, have a bill making its way through the Legislature to address how communities lose money to charter schools.
The rising health insurance costs are also a problem. Comerford continues to support single-payer health care, though that won’t impact the challenges associated with the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust.
But with the federal government actions destabilizing to the state, and money being stripped away, more problems are looming.
“We cannot withstand all of the federal cuts,” Comerford said, but she has promised that the fallout of this can’t mean less municipal aid for cities and towns.
“It’s a harrowing time,” Comerford said.
She also encouraged the Select Board to push for a special election to fill the legislative vacancy that begins next week when Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, steps down.
Comerford said she would be in favor of special election, though until a new legislator is in place she will be “linking arms in a different way.”
New fire chief; budget season begins
The meeting began with the swearing in of new Fire Chief Mike Visniewski by Town Clerk Lisa Stratford, with about 30 people in attendance, and wife Ashley placing a ceremonial pin on his jacket. Visniewski replaces Brian Cook, who left the position last June.
“I’m looking forward to serving the people of the town of Leverett,” said Visniewski, who has been the deputy chief of Amherst Fire Department’s call force and a Leverett fire lieutenant.
The meeting also had the initial budget hearings for fiscal year 2027, with departments being asked to present both level services spending plans and budgets with 2.5% overall increases.
Library Director Hannah Paessel said she and trustees are requesting budgets that maintain the Friday hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trustees used state aid to add those hours this fiscal year in response to surveys of patrons.
The library is now open 25 hours per week Tuesdays through Saturdays, and has seen a 23% year-over-year increase in users, with 770 extra visits. The library also intends to use state aid to have a bike repair station.
The Council on Aging is asking to maintain a 15-hour per week community and events coordinator and possibly add hours. Johanna Hall started in the role five months ago, and is paid 10 hours a week through the town budget and five hours from a state grant. She has reached more than 100 senior citizens, meeting up with them at Town Hall or the library, since there is no senior center.
“I think it’s been quite successful,” said Select Board member Tom Hankinson.
Town Administrator Marjorie McGinnis told the Select Board that she will again be seeking a grant to pay for culvert work on Shutesbury Road in East Leverett, and that the Code Red system that gets mass messages to the community is back online.