Jeannie For Dalton Select board
Fresh Perspective, Bright Future
I'm running for a seat on the Dalton Select Board because I believe town leaders should put residents first, spend our tax dollars wisely, and communicate clearly and openly about the decisions that affect our daily life. With a fresh perspective, no grudges, and a career built on collaboration and accountability, I'm ready to listen, engage respectfully in difficult discusions, and work with everyone in our community to help build Dalton's bright future.
While new to Dalton, I am deeply invested in our future.
About Me
I’m a nonprofit fundraising and donor relations professional with more than two decades of experience strengthening mission-driven organizations across Massachusetts. I value community involvement and enjoyed my time as chair of my former town's Historic District Commission and serving as chair of the PTO at my daughter's elementary school. I spent several years as a Girl Scout troop leader and working with the town's GS Service Unit.
After 20 years on the South Shore of Boston, I moved to Dalton in 2024 and fell in love with my neighborhood. I’ve jumped right in, helping re-start the Dalton Cultural Council—where I now serve as chair—and attending Select Board meetings to stay informed. I'm proud to be a board member of the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center in Pittsfield and along with Darcy, my black lab, I enjoy volunteering through Canine Link Therapy Dogs. On weekends in the summer you will find me giving historic house tours in Lenox.
I work full-time in a fully remote leadership role, managing a team of five and bringing a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to complex challenges. I built my career on diplomacy, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and finding practical solutions to often complicated and competing priorities.
Public service is an important part of my personal mission as it feels critical for building a strong, vibrant, and unified community. I've enjoyed meeting many wonderful volunteers who serve on various town committees and I'm looking forward to meeting more neighbors while out campaigning. I'm fortunate that with my daughter away at UMass Amherst, I have plenty of time to dedicate to serving Dalton as a member of the Select Board.
My Priorities
1
Dalton Residents First
I will advocate for policies and enforcement that protect our health, safety, and quality of life. Decisions about development, infrastructure, and town services should always start with one question: "How does this affect the people who live and work here?"
2
Responsible Spending & Planning
I support smart and transparent capital planning so major projects are never rushed or forced on residents. I'm commited to helping build trust in town leadership and transparency in spending. Economic development and supporting our small businesses is an important part of the equation.
3
Open Communication & Civic Engagement
Dalton residents ARE Town Meeting. I want to improve Town Meeting warrants so people attend and fully understand what they are voting on, to encourage greater voter participation for elections, and for residents to feel like their voices are being heard and respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 / What is your position on Berkshire Concrete Corp?
I've spent the past 18 months watching frustration and tensions build over our community's legitimate concerns over the health implications of Berkshire Concrete's mining operations. I support the work of the Dalton Clean Air Coalition and the vigilant efforts of our neighbors most impacted in keeping this issue front and center and holding Berkshire Concrete accountable for disregarding permit regulations.
2 / What is your position on a new public safety facility?
While I support Chief Strout in her efforts to provide a safe and healthy work environment for our police force, and applaud the hard work of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, I oppose any plans to place a new public safety facility in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I understand the desire to focus on town-owned property, but it's misleading to say that the First Street field property and the site next to the Senior Center is "free" or that there are no other options. There are other options located on major thoroughfares that make better sense. Aside from location, many residents are concerned about the scope and tax implications of this project.
3 / What is your position on water metering?
The water rate increase we are hearing from Pittsfield is alarming for everyone. Water metering, while potentially costly for the town now is the most fair solution to rising bills. Seniors on fixed incomes shouldn't be expected to cover the cost of multi-family households. Water metering is used to control water consumption, reduce unaccounted-for water (UAW) due to leaks, and ensure equitable billing. Most cities and towns across the state meter their water usage in the same way that they meter electricity and natural gas.