For too long, Western Massachusetts has been treated as an afterthought when statewide transportation decisions are made. The 1st Berkshire District needs a State Representative who understands that reliable infrastructure is not a luxury, it is essential to economic growth, workforce retention, public safety, tourism, healthcare access, and quality of life.

As a small business and downtown property owner, former Airport Commissioner, and someone who has worked directly on regional revitalization efforts, I understand how transportation investments shape whether communities grow or fall behind. I also understand that our region needs practical, results-oriented leadership focused on delivering projects and building partnerships, not political theater.

That means continuing to advocate for transformational passenger rail investments that will reconnect our region to Boston, while also recognizing that transportation within the Berkshires must include safe roads, reliable bridges, expanded public transit options, walkability, bike infrastructure, and modern electric vehicle charging access. The Commonwealth’s current transportation funding formulas, such as Chapter 90, often leave rural regions struggling to maintain hundreds of miles of roadway and aging infrastructure with limited resources. We need stronger state partnerships, true collective advocacy across our elected delegation, and fairer investment that recognizes the realities of rural communities.

I support ongoing regional efforts to expand the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail connection through North Adams and into Williamstown, strengthen BRTA regional transit services, modernize aging bridge and culvert infrastructure, improve freight and passenger rail coordination, and expand access to state and federal infrastructure funding opportunities. As State Representative I will also support efforts already underway through MassDOT and the Federal Corridor ID Program to reconnect the Berkshires more directly to Boston and the broader Northeast economy.

Transportation policy should not be ideological. It should be practical. People in our district want roads that are safe, downtowns that are connected, infrastructure that supports housing and business growth, and transportation options that help families, seniors, workers, and visitors move throughout the region affordably and efficiently.

As your State Representative, I will work collaboratively with local officials, regional planning organizations, state agencies, and the entire Berkshire and Western Massachusetts delegation to ensure the transportation needs of our communities are no longer overlooked on Beacon Hill.