Paul Douglas receiving Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman John Olver
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Staff and friends of the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Rural Development, Inc. met at Bella Notte in Bernardston, MA on Tuesday, August 5th to thank Executive Director Paul Douglas for his 33 years of service and to wish him well in the next chapter of his life. |
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Excerpts from letter to Paul Douglas from MA State Representative, Stephen Kulik, on the occasion of Paul's retirement:
“I have always admired and appreciated your strong advocacy at the statewide level for both Franklin County and rural issues. You have contributed greatly to making sure that a wide variety of state policies and programs include a rural perspective and address our unique needs.
"…You have led an organization that has built the capacity to continue these good works after your departure. To me, this is the mark of a great leader and someone who is truly committed to creating long-term positive change in society.
"…My legislative colleagues and I have valued your wise counsel, advocacy, and political savvy through the years...Thanks for all you have done, and my sincere best wishes for all that lies ahead for you." |
In 1975 the Franklin County Commissioners awarded a grant of $17,000 to found the Commonwealth’s first regional housing authority, aptly named the Franklin County Regional Housing Authority.This same year Paul Douglas was hired as the Housing Authority’s Loan Processor, thus beginning a thirty-three year career at the end of which Paul was Executive Director of both the Housing Authority and the private non-profit, Rural Development, Inc.
Paul’s tenure with both agencies was marked by their growth, innovative programs, statewide influence on housing policy, and nationally recognized green affordable housing program, all reflecting his commitment to the residents of our rural, small-town region.
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