Letter: Alex Blumin for City Council

Letter to the Editor02:00PM / Wednesday, September 13, 2023Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor: I am excited to endorse Mr. Alex Blumin for Ward 2 City Council. When we elect Mr. Blumin, we continue Ward 2's tradition of self-governance. We consistently choose the independent voice to represent our interests. We have a tradition of preserving a philosophy of reasonable inquiry of elected officials, and we demand responsible financial governance.

Ward 2 awaits the city's fulfillment of its promises to complete roadwork and fix abandoned homes. Mr. Blumin will push the city to achieve these promises. The mayor aggressively hiked water and sewer rates twice in the last two years, and she promised more increases. Ward 2 residents worry about the ever-expanding city budget they are forced to fund. Alex Blumin shares your worries and will fight for responsible budgets. Mr. Blumin will continue to promote reducing your taxes and reducing water rates by using your tax dollars locked in free cash and the cannabis reserves.

City Hall spending lacks transparency. The next councilor will see the $41 million in ARPA funds spent down. The ARPA Advisory Committee meets in secret and spends money on projects that do not appear to benefit Ward 2. The City Council has not had any input on a single dollar spent. Mr. Blumin would dare to ask the hard questions: What did the ARPA Committee discuss in their secret meetings? Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) has new funding coming up. Will it support the destitute business environment in Pittsfield and Ward 2? Mr. Blumin will insist that it does.

When Mr. Blumin whispered "corruption" in his debate, he dared to state a fact of our government that many councilors privately discuss. I saw a man display his love and admiration for our legal traditions and institutions. You saw his courage to hold our leaders to high standards and principles.

Mr. Blumin has a long involvement in city politics, and the time is now for him to lead. He has the intelligence and courage to do the job. Ward 2, you must turn out on Sept. 19, and I strongly urge you to vote for Alex Blumin for your councilor.

Charles Kronick
Pittsfield, Mass.

Charles Kronick is the current Ward 2 councilor and is not running for re-election.

Tags: election 2023, endorsement, municipal election,

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Sunday Fire on Dalton Division Rd. Fire Damages Home, Closes Road

Staff reportsiBerkshires
12:21PM / Monday, August 31, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters knocked down a kitchen fire on Dalton Division Road in less than an hour Sunday night.

Around 8:55 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire at 622 Dalton Division. The building's owner had reportedly notified a neighbor that his house was on fire, and the neighbor called 911.

Fire crews saw smoke coming from the structure; the blaze was under control in 45 minutes, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries, according to a report by Deputy Chief Daniel Garner.

The home, though, suffered significant damage.

"The building owner was the only occupant. The owner had alternative lodging for the night as the house, although salvageable, is not fit for occupancy at this time. There is no damage estimate at the time of this writing," Garner wrote on Monday.

"The first-floor kitchen and second-floor bedroom sustained fire and heat damage. The remainder of the home sustained various amounts of smoke and water damage.

Police closed Dalton Division Road to through traffic for some time during the incident. A provided picture shows broken windows on the home and signs of internal fire.

PFD responded with Engines 6, 3, 2, and 5, Tower-1, and Car-2.

Upon arrival, E3 assisted the Ladder company with ventilation and overhaul/salvage. E5 responded as a Rapid Intervention Crew, and E1 responded briefly as a precaution, but the fire was ultimately declared under control in 45 minutes.

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