LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Candidate for state representative Kevin Towle on Tuesday released a legislative agenda outlining his goals for economic development in the 1st Berkshire District.

 

The 12-page document, titled "A New Generation of Progress" lays out his agenda, aimed at encouraging employment, establishing an environment of sustainable growth, and meeting the needs of the communities of in the Northern Berkshire district.

 

"With this plan, I lay out my ideas and goals for ensuring that the significant challenges facing all of us are addressed," Towle said. 

 

Echoing an earlier statement, Towle continued, "It's important that we focus on the bigger picture of economic development and not just react to problems that arise. There is a tendency to focus on these issues one by one -- and we've made great strides with that approach -- but we can make better progress if we look at all the challenges, understand how they relate to each other, and address them in a comprehensive way.

 

"We're looking at being able to achieve tangible results in the near-term, but we're also looking to the future and talking about what's possible if we work together toward this goal."

 

Among the legislative items in the plan is a call for shifting Massachusetts to 100 percent renewable energy; creating a state green bank; changing the funding formula for rural school districts; paid family leave; single-payer health care; promoting local agriculture; and a plan to address transportation, infrastructure, and broadband challenges.

 

Towle is running for the Democratic nomination to fill the seat of the late Gailanne Cariddi of North Adams. He was a legislative aide to Cariddi.