SOUTHWICK – State Sen. Donald F. Humason (R-Westfield) and state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) visited with the Board of Selectmen last week as they prepared to begin formal sessions in Boston.
Both legislators were re-elected in the fall and said they looked forward to working with new governor Charlie Baker, also a Republican, as well as their Democrat counterparts.
“For the first time in a while, there’s a real good feeling about collaboration between the executive and legislative branches,” said Humason, who has spent two decades on Beacon Hill.
For the first time he can remember, Humason said the Governor is including key leaders from both parties in a weekly Monday meeting. Humason said there is a feeling of cooperation across party lines.
“There seems to be some sense that we can roll up our sleeves and work together,” he said.
Boldyga addressed cuts in Chapter 90 and 9C funds and said the 9C cuts likely would not have occurred, or been as deep, if the winter had not been so severe. He also told the board he took their concerns about culverts, a salt shed and dredging of Congamond Lakes to Baker.
“I spoke to the governor’s office about those capital projects, so they are aware,” Boldyga said.
Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox thanked Boldyga and Humason and said the town could use some relief with projects.
“We’re going to be between a rock and a hard place in the next fiscal year,” said Fox, citing the sewer project mandated from the state for the school renovation as a financial concern.
Fox said the salt shed, lake and culverts are important needs. He said water concerns for the town also impact Westfield and West Springfield because of the water supply and aquaduct that runs through the lakes.
“Whatever you can do, we greatly appreciate it,” said Fox.
