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Legal Association Endorses Harris for Register of Deeds
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"As paralegals we have confidence in Patsy's knowledge and ability to answer our questions when they arise. She is always professional, and willing to help. It is vital to those of us who deal with the recording of real estate transactions on a regular basis to have the person who is elected as register of deeds be knowledgeable and ready to work the day after the election and Patsy is the only candidate who fits that description," said Helene Robillard, president of the BAPLS.
"I am honored to have the support of the BAPLS association. This organization is comprised of paralegals and legal secretaries within Berkshire County and provides educational seminars along with scholarships for local high school students. I look forward to working closely with the members of the association as the next register of deeds," said Harris.
Harris, who is currently an assistant register of deeds, has previously received the endorsements of current Register of Deeds Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr. and Mary K. O'Brien, who was formerly register of deeds for 30 years.
Neal Sharing Campaign Offices With Warren, Downing
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While both offices belong to Neal, Elizabeth Warren's campaign for U.S. Senate, the Massachusetts Democratic Party and Benjamin B. Downing's campaign for state Senate will operate out of Neal's headquarters.
"As we have seen in the past, Democrats are successful when we work together to achieve common goals," said Neal, currently the representative for the 2nd Mass District. "Once I established the locations for my regional campaign headquarters I knew offering Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and Senator Downing the opportunity to join my Springfield and Pittsfield offices would be beneficial to Democrats of the First Congressional District. I look forward to working closely with Elizabeth and continuing the close relationship I have shared with Ben and the Massachusetts Democratic Party."
Neal is running for the Democratic nomination for representative. Part of his current district will be merged with the 1st Mass Distrit beginning in January 2013. Warren is challenging the sitting Republican incumbent for the Senate seat. Downing is running for his fourth term in the state Senate representing communities in Western Massachusetts.
"I'm excited to be opening offices in Springfield and Pittsfield and to continue meeting people throughout Western Massachusetts," said Warren. "I look forward to working with Congressman Neal to address the unique challenges facing the region and to level the playing field for middle class families across the commonwealth."
"It's great to see the grassroots excitement and organizing that Democrats are committed to across Massachusetts," said Downing, who previously served as an intern in Neal's Washington congressional office. "I'm looking forward to working with the Mass Democratic Party, Congressman Neal, and Elizabeth Warren to make sure the Berkshires help elect leaders committed to fighting for the middle class."
Neal's regional campaign headquarters are both situated in residential areas with high traffic. While the Pittsfield office is a short distance from the downtown business district, the Springfield office is located in the heart of the East Forest Park neighborhood that was decimated during last year's June 1st tornado.
"Winning campaigns are fueled by volunteers with the buzz and excitement created through an active headquarters," Neal said. "We are fortunate to have campaign offices in prime locations that will enable our volunteers to mobilize and organize effectively."
Richmond Town Election Ballot Set For 2012
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• Three-year term on the Board of Selectmen: Alan Hanson, 796 Dublin Road
• Two three-year terms on the Board of Health: Andrew Fisher, 494 Dean Hill Road, and Anthony Segal, 1220 Lenox Road
• Two-year term on the Board of Health: Peter Cohen, 60 Cone Hill Road
• One-year term on the Board of Health: Fredrick Schubert, 462 East Road
• Two three-year terms on the Finance Committee: Eileen Martin, 2215 Dublin Road, and Stevan Patterson, 132 Shore Road
• Three-year term on the School Committee: Dewey Wyatt, 82 Pine Grove Drive
• One-year term on the School Committee: Bianca Daigle, 970 West Road
• Three-year term on the Board of Library Trustees: Lisa Donfried, 591 Cone Hill Road
• Five-year term on the Planning Board: Linda Morse, 161 Rossiter Road
• Two-year on the Planning Board: Richard Bell, 99 Jolindy Road
• One-year term of town moderator: John Whitney, 251 Yokun Road
Berkshire Congressional Candidates On Campaign Trail
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Pittsfield's Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr. and Alford's Bill Shein have both been keeping busy as they launch efforts to raise their profile around Western Massachusett's newly redrawn district of 82 towns and cities.
Shein, a writer, humorist and seasoned campaign veteran, has made public and media appearances in North Adams, Westfield, Springfield, Pittsfield and Great Barrington in the past week.
Nuciforo, a former state senator, whose intent to run has been commonly known since 2009, will finally formally announce candidacy this week, according to his campaign. The current Central Berkshire register of deeds has invited supporters and press to a bus tour series of press conferences in Holyoke, Southbridge, Easthampton, Charlemont and Pittsfield this Wednesday.
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Neal, by contrast, entered 2012 with a war chest of some $2.45 million, according to a report in The Republican.
Campaign funding has been one of the dominant issues in the race thus far. At a rally in Pittsfield last month, Nuciforo decried "corporate domination" and the "Washington status quo," in comments indirectly aimed at the 12-term congressman from Springfield. In a Jan. 18 statement, the candidate called for an end to Super PACs and adoption of public election funding.
Shein, however, suggests that both of his opponents will have a hard time claiming independence from corporate influence in this year's race.
The political activist points out that while a state senator, Nuciforo voted to repeal the Massachusetts' Clean Elections law, and received significant funding from PACs and lobbyists
"I'm thrilled that he's finally getting on board with getting the corporate money out of our democracy," Shein told iBerkshires, then described Nuciforo's anti-PAC statement as an one "early victory" for his campaign, coming just the day following Shein announcing his run.
As part of his platform, Shein has said he will not accept campaign contributions greater than $99.
For his part, Neal keeps insisting he's not thinking about the politics of this year's election (he hasn't updated his campaign site), though he has been engaging in a whirlwind schedule of exploratory visits outside of his current 2nd Mass district to some of the Western Massachusetts towns with which his native Springfield will be joined in 2013. While reticent to talk campaigning issues, Neal has stated on several occasions that his financial contributions do not influence his vote on issues in the House.
The Democratic nominee will be decided in a Sept. 6 party primary held on the unusual day of Thursday.
Adams Election Papers Available Jan. 30
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The papers must be returned to the Town Clerk's office by March 19 for the May 7 election. On the Board of Selectmen, there will be two seats for re-election - one of which is the three-year term of Jason Hnatanko, who will not seek re-election. The other is for the three-year term of current Chairman Arthur "Skip" Harrington.
There are also seats available for moderator, town clerk, assessor, board of health, two library trustees, three parks commissioners, planning board, cemetery commissioner, two redevelopment authority, a Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District, two seats on the Adams Cheshire Regional School District (a representative from Adams and Cheshire) and many town meeting members. The full list of seats are available below.
For residents who want to vote in the presidential primary on March 6, registration is required by Feb. 15. The deadline to vote in the town election is April 17. The state primary election is on Sept. 6 and the state election is on Nov. 6. The full calendar is available below as well.
Adams 2012 Election Calendar
Adams 2012 Offices for Election
State Election