Robert Fedell of Town Hill Road was first elected to the Select Board in 2023 to fill a one-year vacancy. He won a full three-year term the following year. As a long-tenured EMT volunteer in New Marlborough, his knowledge of emergency services was important to many of the Board's recent decisions. Because of his scheduled move to another town this summer, he was unable to continue his Board membership and resigned with one year remaining in his term.

Dear friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens of Sandisfield,

I was asked to write a brief goodbye and reflect on my time on the Select Board. It has truly been an eye-opening experience. When I first joined, I assumed the role would involve fairly routine decisions to help oversee the town... but I quickly realized it was much more than that.

From the start, I made it a point to show up early to every meeting, carefully review each weekly warrant, and question anything that didn't make sense. It began with smaller questions - like why we were renting water coolers when purchasing them would pay for itself within a year.

Before long, however, much larger issues came our way: the unexpected departure of the Town administrator, the tanker accident, multiple leadership changes in the fire department, transitions within the police department, and the eminent domain taking of the firehouse.

There are a few issues I wish I could have seen through to completion. One that stands out is Dodd Road. At my very first Select Board meeting, I asked then-Highway Superintendent Brad about its status and was told plans were in motion. Fast forward three years, and those plans proved to be subpar - but I do believe we now have real forward momentum toward a proper long-term solution.

I approached each decision with the understanding that I was there to represent the voters - not a personal agenda. There were certainly times when voices were raised and tempers flared, but I came to believe that nothing good comes from those moments. Staying calm, cool, and collected was always the better path.

We accomplished a great deal as a Board, and I'm grateful to have worked alongside such dedicated people. Steve, your efforts behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. John, your straightforward approach was always appreciated. And Janey, you've taken on so much in such a short time - I hope things settle down for you soon.

I wish all of you well. Perhaps someday I'll return to Sandisfield and once again enjoy the quiet beauty of this remarkable town.

Best wishes,

Bob Fedell