Pittsfield Preliminary Election Ballot Set: Caccamo Takes No. 1 Spot

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City Clerk Linda Tyer did a random drawing on Thursday to determine the order of names on the preliminary election ballot.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The ballot order for the preliminary election on Sept. 22 was decided on Thursday with the spin of a box by City Clerk Linda Tyer.

The random drawing determined placement for the 10 mayoral candidates vying for two spots in the general election and the three ward races, also for two spots each in November.

Names were placed in small envelopes and placed in the tumbler; the nine candidates attending the drawing were able drop their own envelopes in. Tyer spun the tumbler in between pulling each name.

Coming up in the first position for the mayoral was Nicholas J. Caccamo, followed by Patricia "Pam" Malumphy, incumbent James M. Ruberto, Mark A. Marciano, Rick E. Moon, Daniel L. Bianchi, Paul Kwasniowski, Stephen A. Fillio, Lisa M. Boyd and Jeffrey W. Ferrin.

In Ward 2, Peter T. White is in the No. 1 spot, followed by Kevin Morandi and incumbent Louis Costi.

In Ward 4, Christopher Connell was the first name drawn, followed by incumbent Michael Ward and Terry Kinnas.

In Ward 7, incumbent Anthony Maffuccio took the top spot, followed by J.D. Hebert, Joseph Nichols and Loren Paduano.


Ward 2 Councilor Louis Costi places his name in the tumbler.
An expected preliminary race in Ward 6 did not emerge after former at-large councilor Jamie R. Williamson pulled her name from contention on Wednesday, a day after names had to be submitted for certification by the city clerk. David W. Murphy Jr. and John M. Krol Jr. will run in the general election. The incumbent, Bianchi, is running for mayor.

In other election news, Jody L. Phillips has abandoned her quest to return to City Hall. The former city clerk left for another position earlier this year; Ruberto appointed Tyer in her place. Phillips submitted nomination papers but on Tuesday, the last day for certification, she decided not submit her signatures and so will not appear on the ballot. Phillips reportedly declined to give reasons for her decision, according to The Berkshire Eagle.

The Pittsfield Gazette in collaboration with other groups is hosting a series of debates and forums. The schedule can be found here.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Firefighters Rescue Ice Fisherman From Onota Lake


A fisherman in an ice hut on Onota Lake on Saturday. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fisherman was hauled of the icy waters of Onota Lake on Tuesday morning. 
 
The Fire Department responded to the report of a fisherman falling through the ice about 7:45 a.m. At first, it was reported he was able to get out of the water but then fell through again trying to make it shore. 
 
The Berkshire County Dive Team was put on standby as firefighters and police arrived at the scene. 
 
Two fishermen were spotted about 100 yards off the boat launch at Burbank Park, with one in the water. 
 
Firefighters donned cold-water rescue suits and set out to rescue the distressed individual. As rescuers neared the fisherman, a section of ice shelf broke off and they entered the water as well on the ice sled.
 
The fisherman was secured to the ice sled and was removed from the water.
 
Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said the rescue was a manpower intensive operation taking place on an unstable and unpredictable ice surface.
 
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