Governor, Climate Chief Announce Creation of Youth Climate Council

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BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer announced the creation of a Youth Climate Council. 
 
The council will advise the Governor and the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience on climate policy and actions to make communities more resilient. Interested high school students in Massachusetts can now apply to be part of the council which will meet regularly with Chief Hoffer.  
 
"I am so inspired by the young people who have been leading the charge to advocate for bold, innovative action on climate. We are creating the Youth Climate Council to center their voices, perspectives and ideas in our climate policy and make sure they have a seat at the decision-making table," said Governor Healey. "I'm grateful for Chief Hoffer's leadership and for her commitment to bringing people together to drive the change that we need to create a stronger, healthier and more equitable future for all." 
 
Applications are now open for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors and can be accessed here. The deadline to apply is May 19, 2023.
 
"As Mayor of Salem, I was always impressed with the important work that our Youth Commission did and saw firsthand how their bright ideas translated into positive results for our communities," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. "I'm excited about the work that Chief Hoffer is doing to bring more young people into state government, and I know this Council will have a significant impact in our efforts to combat the climate crisis." 
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Dalton Fire Chief Christian Tobin Terminated

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Members of the Fire District attend the meeting at the Stationery Factory, where Christian Tobin was sworn in on Jan. 29, 2024.
DALTON, Mass. — The Board of Water Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously voted to terminate Fire Chief Christian Tobin just a year after hiring him
 
The decision comes after an investigation by Kerry Gilpin of Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting, which began when the board announced Tobin's paid suspension in August over allegations of sexual harassment, grant overspending, and employee concerns.
 
The suspension was originally for a month but was indefinitely extended in September until the investigation into Tobin's conduct was complete. 
 
"I feel there's sufficient evidence to support the harassment charges brought to our attention against Christian Tobin," board Chair James Driscoll said.
 
"Also, the fact Mr. Tobin did not make himself available for the requested interviews in person or on Zoom by Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting LLC leads me to the decision that we need to terminate the employment of Mr. Tobin as of Jan. 7." 
 
Tobin's attorney, Jonathan Thomas Zepka of Elizabeth J. Quigley & Associates, alleges that Tobin was never contacted by the district and no interview was performed. 
 
Elizabeth J. Quigley & Associates office was contacted via a defunct AOL email and there was a meeting that was supposed to be scheduled later this month. Then, the conclusion of this report was made known to their office but was not shared, Zepka said. 
 
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