Swift Endorses Bech for Congress

Print Story | Email Story
Nathan Bech and former acting Gov. Jane Swift
PITTSFIELD — The region's best-known Republican, former acting Gov. Jane M. Swift, has endorsed GOP candidate Nathan Bech in his run for the 1st Massachusetts District.

Bech, of West Springfield, is seeking the seat U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, has held the seat since 1991. (Olver will contend against Democrat Robert Feuer in a primary in September; Bech will face the winner.)

Swift sought to unseat Olver in 1996 after serving as Berkshire County's state senator for three terms. She came up short in a tight race but went on to become to become lieutenant governor in 1998 and later acting governor on the resignation of A. Paul Celucci.

The Williamstown resident  spoke in support of Bech at an event in Pittsfield on Monday night.

Bech, who will be 34 next month, operates a property management business founded by his parents and served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army officer. The self-described moderate launched his campaign in May.


Swift spoke on behalf of Bech in the hometown of the late Silvio O. Conte, the last Republican to hold the 1st Mass. seat.

Swift is the honorary co-chairman for presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Massachusetts and his chief education adviser. She is rumored by sources within the Republican Party to be a top pick for secretary of education should McCain win in November.

"Nathan is very, very fortunate to be running with John McCain at the top of our ticket," said Swift.

For more information about further events and Bech's progress in the congressional race, visit www.nathanbech.com. Bech will be in Pittsfield on Thursday, June 19, for the 3rd Thursday events.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Apartment Fire Displaces Residents, Under Investigation

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fire at a multi-unit building at 24-26 John St in Pittsfield required a second alarm response from the Pittsfield Fire Department.

Fire crews were initially called to the scene for a reported structure fire. Car 2, arriving first, reported "nothing showing," however firefighters eventually found heavy flames in a first-floor apartment on the 24 John St side of the building.

Engine 3 stretched a handline to attack the blaze. Heavy black smoke billowing from the second floor, a second alarm was called, bringing all on-duty personnel and apparatus to the scene.

Firefighters worked for approximately 40 minutes to get the fire under control. While Engine 3 battled the main fire, other crews were busy stretching backup lines, searching the building, handling ventilation, and setting up a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

No civilians or firefighters were injured in the incident.

Eversource and Berkshire Gas were called in to secure the utilities. The American Red Cross is now assisting four adults who were displaced by the fire, providing them with housing and other necessities.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Pittsfield Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit, the Pittsfield Police Department Investigation Unit, and investigators from the State Fire Marshalls Office.

View Full Story

More Berkshire County Stories