Election 2009: Coakley Endorses Alcombright

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Martha Coakley, attorney general and a candidate for U.S. Senate, on Friday endorsed Dick Alcombright for mayor of North Adams.

"I am proud to endorse Dick Alcombright for mayor of North Adams," said Coakley. "I grew up in North Adams and the future of the city means a great deal to me. I went to grammar school with Dick Alcombright. I know his character, his strong work ethic and his great sense of humor. When Dick pledges to the citizens of North Adams that he will be open and accountable to the taxpayers, he means what he says. I would also like to thank John Barrett for his 26 years of service."

"I am delighted to have the support of U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley in my race to become the next mayor of the city of North Adams," said Alcombright. "Martha and I have known one another for decades and our families have worked hard for the benefit of this city and its residents."

Coakley, 56, was raised in North Adams. She is a graduate of Williams College in Williamstown, where she was a member of the first class admitted to the college that included female students. She received her law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979. Coakley resides in Medford with her husband, Thomas F. O'Connor, a retired police Deputy Superintendent.

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Affordable Housing Advocates Look to Ballot Initiatives, State Legislation

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
This five-part series looks at the challenges in building affordable housing and at some solutions in Berkshire County. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5.
 
Regulatory reform is widely considered an important key in the overall effort to increase the supply and affordability of housing.
 
It's estimated that building a modest house can cost as much as $500,000 today.
 
While the rising price of materials and services are also responsible for this, a significant factor is the expense and delays that are required to meet stringent requirements and regulations. This impacts projects ranging from large developments to renovations by individual homeowners.
 
Despite differences and some controversies over specifics, there is widespread consensus on the need to streamline bureaucratic hurdles and red tape for new housing and rehabilitation of existing properties.
 
Reforms are intended to address excessive or unnecessary regulations and procedures in zoning, building codes and other requirements that proponents say stifle affordable construction and more efficient land-use.
 
One statewide advocacy group is Abundant Housing Massachusetts, a coalition of local community groups and others who
support pro-housing policies.
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