Speranzo Nominated For Clerk Magistrate

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Rep. Christopher Speranzo, D-Pittsfield, was nominated Wednesday for the clerk magistrate-position in Central Berkshire District Court.

It was widely speculated that Speranzo had applied for the position last year at the same time he was seeking re-election. However, he never confirmed nor denied applying.

Speranzo was nominated by Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday for the position vacated by the retirement of Leo Evans. Speranzo has been a state representative in the 3rd Berkshire District since 2005.

The move could force a costly special election if appointed – a talking point his Green-Rainbow Party opponent Mark C. Miller used during the campaign, alleging "dirty politics." Miller claimed that the Democratic Party was aligning predecessors. The costs of a special election would be shouldered by both the city and the state.

Miller is expected to announce his future political ambitions Thursday – likely for state representative.

Speranzo won the seat initially in 2005 after a special election to fill the vacated spot of Peter Larkin, who took a private sector job after being elected. Speranzo won that seat then and returned to the seat last year.

The lifetime position pays $110,000. Speranzo would still need to be approved by the eight-member Governor's Council. A Judicial Nomination Commission was charged with recommending applicants but the application and nomination process is completely anonymous.

Speranzo is the vice chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and was a House of Representatives conferee and sponsor of the 2010 Omnibus Crime Reform Bill.

He was an assistant attorney general in Springfield as well as a city solicitor for Pittsfield. He earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College, his master's degree from the University of Cambridge in 1998. He earned his law degree from Boston College Law School in 2001.

Neither Speranzo nor Miller immediately returned phone calls Wednesday.
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BRTA Announces New Pilot Pittsfield Paratransit Evening Service

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) received funding from Massachusetts Department of Transportation for pilot evening Paratransit service through June 30, 2025. 
 
This pilot evening service is for BRTA Paratransit customers travelling to or from: Adams, North Adams, Williamstown, Cheshire, Lanesborough, New Ashford, Pittsfield, Dalton, Hinsdale, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington, Monday – Saturday, 7 PM-10 PM. 
 
The launch date was Dec 18, 2024. 
 
This project aims to enhance and expand the ability for eligible BRTA Paratransit customers, that require an accessible vehicle for travel in the evenings to destinations within these communities. 
 
To book transportation, call (413) 499-2782 extension 3. 
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