Election 2009: Capeless Endorses Ruberto for Mayor

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — District Attorney David Capeless has endorsed James Ruberto on Monday as the mayor seeks a fourth term in office.

"It is no secret that Mayor Ruberto and I have enjoyed a strong working relationship during my first five years as District Attorney, but I want to be sure everyone knows that," Capeless said in a statement. "I am supporting Mayor Ruberto in his re-election campaign, and I urge the voters of Pittsfield to maintain his steady leadership for their city."

Capeless emphasized Ruberto's strong leadership and collaborative approach in promoting public safety.

"As district attorney, I am keenly aware of the mayor's role in ensuring that Pittsfield remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family," Capeless said. "Mayor Ruberto has been consistent during his three terms in backing our efforts at fighting crime, seeing to it that proper resources out of a tight budget are committed to his Police Department and that those precious funds are used where they are most needed.

"He also 'gets it' when it comes to the important matter of cooperative, collaborative efforts among all of us in law enforcement – thinking and working regionally, not just locally, serves the interests of Pittsfield, our largest community, as well as all the surrounding towns."

Capeless pointed to the mayor's support for youth and education as a key component for successful crime prevention strategies.


"Mayor Ruberto has also been a strong supporter of the efforts of my Office and others in working with our young citizens to prevent crime, before it becomes a problem," he continued. "He has personally lent his important voice on behalf our many programs, and has promoted access to the youth in the city's schools to that those who most need to will hear that important message."

Capeless concluded, "But public safety comes about not just through the hard work of the police and others in law enforcement. A vibrant and active community is one where the citizens are engaged and involved, and that translates into a more responsible, safer community. Mayor Ruberto has led the efforts to revitalize Pittsfield, for the benefit of all, and I am hopeful that he can continue to do so."

Ruberto said that Capeless' endorsement is an honor.

"The people of Pittsfield and Berkshire County are fortunate to have the leadership of David Capeless as we work to enhance public safety, and I am honored to have his endorsement of my candidacy," said Ruberto. "This is a special honor for me because my brother Anthony was the first elected district attorney here in Berkshire County. I appreciate the difficult job that the district attorney has to fulfill, and I am pleased that Mr. Capeless and I, with Chief [Michalel] Wynn and Sheriff [Carmen] Massimiano, have been able to collaborate so closely and work to improve public safety throughout the region."

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Ruberto for Mayor 2009
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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