Dalton Green Committee Hosts Climate Solutions Fair Sunday

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DALTON, Mass.—The town invites community members to its Climate Solutions Fair at the Stationery Factory this Sunday, Oct. 13, at 1 p.m. 
 
Dalton’s environmental consultant, Blue Strike Environmental, will headline the event with a multi-media presentation on the key components of the Climate Action Plan, followed by an information session for community members. 
 
The Green Committee members will also present their draft climate action plan survey. The event will feature survey workshops, during which attendees can provide input on ways to improve the survey.
 
The community survey is part of a broad community engagement strategy to ensure all voices are heard and have access to the resources they need. 
 
The event will also delve into the benefits of electric vehicle ownership and solar power for homes, review state and federal incentives to increase home energy efficiency, and have other environmental conversations. 
 
“The comprehensive outreach survey will help us provide a plan securely founded on the actual wishes and priorities of its residents,” said Bob Bishop, Select Board chair.
 
“I am very pleased with how the Green Dalton Committee is approaching this important task.”  
 
Dalton became a designated Green Community in 2013. It is now working with its environmental consultant, Blue Strike Environmental, and community stakeholders to create a climate action plan. 
 
The plan aims to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. It will provide a roadmap for the town’s climate action over the next eight to 12 years and align with the state's mandate to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 
 
“Our focus over the coming months is ensuring the plan includes collaboration with community stakeholders, social equity considerations, and ongoing community education,” Green Committee chair David Wasielewski said. 
 
Senator Paul Mark commended Dalton for committing to develop a Climate Action Plan to achieve the state’s climate goals. 
 
The state legislature passed the Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy in 2022. 
 
The goal is to achieve net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets in 2030 and 2040. 
 
Dalton is taking the necessary steps to put this ambitious goal within reach,” Mark said.  
 
“I applaud Dalton for seeking ways to reduce Greenhouse  Gas emissions to improve public health and protect the environment for the next generation,” state representative Smitty Pignatelli added. 
 
The fair’s schedule and additional details, including survey workshop times, are here. 
 
More information about Dalton’s Climate Action plan and the Oct. 13th event here
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Lawsuit Filed Against Dalton, Police Chief, and Former Officer

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town, its Police Chief Deanna Strout, and former Sgt. Bustin Buzzella are facing a lawsuit following a high-speed police chase that resulted in the death of Ryan Griffin in May 2023.
 
The case was filed with the U.S. District Court on Oct. 7 by attorney Michael Heineman of Heinlein Beeler Mingace & Heineman, P.C. on behalf of Kayla Jerome, the personal representative of Griffin's estate. 
 
The lawsuit claimed that the town was negligent and violated Griffin's civil rights. In addition, it claimed that Chief Strout and Buzzella violated Griffin's civil rights. The suit called into question the town's and chief's hiring and supervisory practices.
 
It also demanded judgment against all named for an amount to be decided by a jury. This amount would include costs, interest, lawyers' fees, and punitive damages as allowed by law.
 
It also claimed that the town was made aware of the impending lawsuit on March 14 in a letter from Jerome's office to former Select Board member and chair Joseph Diver and Town Manager Tom Hutcheson, via certified and first-class mail. 
 
The lawsuit claimed that the town failed to respond to this letter, which requested that the town retain and preserve all evidence concerning the incident, including body-worn and dash cam videos and training records, among other items.
 
Currently, Buzzella is no longer with the Dalton Police Department.
 
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