Election 2009: Alcombright Outlines Three Cs Strategy

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Richard Alcombright
This is a submitted release from mayoral candidate Richard Alcombright.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dick Alcombright released his thoughts on Sunday on how to achieve economic development in the city of North Adams by means of "Conversation, Commitment and Consensus."
 
We know the local economy is stagnant and we need to overcome some economic challenges. I believe I can provide the leadership to do so. I also believe that we are at a place in time where we need to engage at all levels to position ourselves for development opportunities. I intend to manage economic development efforts in this way:

1. Conversation: I will assemble a variety of business and civic leaders to engage in community conversations with respect to all segments of economic and growth opportunities.

2. Commitment: We must identify the commitment of any development or growth project to the greater community.  We need to ask what comes next?  What is the greater growth opportunity that any development project provides? And how do we position ourselves to take advantage of that greater opportunity?

3. Consensus: I will establish priorities through a community consensus. As a community, we need to build a plan for our future, one that embraces smart growth, follow the plan and modify it as necessary. I will be asking for input from all who care about the future of North Adams and will welcome any and all ideas.

 
I truly believe that our economic future is dependent on engaging our citizens in the process of growing the city and creating jobs. No single individual can accomplish this task by himself. We need a transparent team environment in North Adams to maximize our strengths.
 
We have a great liberal arts college, a world class museum, a wonderful hospital, abundant natural beauty and an airport in our small City. These five things alone should make us very attractive to business and development as long as we provide an inclusive and collaborative environment. I want to work with our North Berkshire neighbors with the simple, but compelling thought, that what is good for one of us is good for us all.
 
As a banker, I live in a world of black and white, debits and credits, assets and liabilities. But I dream in color. I intend to create a new culture in this fine city in which everyone can dream in color. We need to talk and plan together and realize that we are a community of unlimited human resources.
 
Together we will succeed.
 
For information about Alcombright and his campaign, contact him at info@AlcombrightForMayor.com, 413-663-5057 and AlcombrightForMayor.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Governor Healey Signs Breast Cancer Screening Bill

BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection.

This comprehensive legislation will ensure that patients have access to follow-up breast cancer screenings and exams, while also preventing any increase in patient cost-sharing by 2026. 

"We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This legislation will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need," said Governor Healey. "I'm grateful to the Legislature for their leadership on this bill, and to the patients, providers and advocates who made their voices heard in support of more affordable and accessible care for Massachusetts residents."  

This legislation would, starting in 2026, require insurers to cover diagnostic exams for breast cancer, digital breast tomosynthesis screening, and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast MRIs and ultrasounds. This legislation would also prevent any increase in patient cost-sharing, thus removing cost barriers for patients who need more rigorous screenings due to dense breast tissue or abnormalities seen in their initial preventive screening mammograms. 

 

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