NORTH ADAMS — Daniel E. Bosley officially launched his campaign to become Berkshire County sheriff on Wednesday night, and he had a message for those who believe he's not qualified.

He said a strong sheriff needs ample experience in government and budget control, and nixed the idea that being a police officer inherently makes a candidate qualified.

"Don't let anyone try to simplify the role of sheriff," he said in front of a crowd of about 170 supporters at the American Legion. "It is complex and complicated, and we need a person who has experience in all of these areas and not just one area of this job."

Bosley, who is currently serving his 12th term as state representative of the First Berkshire District, will run against Thomas N. Bowler, a Pittsfield Police detective, for the office of retiring incumbent Carmen C. Massimiano Jr.

Bosley officially announced his candidacy in January.

Some of the supporters in attendance Wednesday included Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President Mary Grant, City Councilors Lisa Blackmer and Alan Marden, and former Mayor John Barrett III.

"Dan Bosley is a longtime friend, and we certainly worked together for the entire time I was

Former Mayor John Barrett III, a good friend of Bosley's, attended the campaign launch.

North Adams City Councilor Gail Cariddi will formally announce her candidacy for state representative for the 1st Berkshire District on Friday, May 14, at noon at the North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams.

Rep. Daniel E. Bosley

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Daniel E. Bosley will officially launch his campaign for sheriff of Berkshire County on Wednesday, May 12.

Bosley, a Democrat who has represented the 1st Berkshire District in the state Legislature since 1987, is running to fill the post being vacated by Sheriff Carmen Massimiano.

The official campaign kickoff event will be held at the American Legion beginning at 7 p.m.

Bosley said he plans to put his background in public policy, public financing and public safety to work running an effective and proactive sheriff's office and a jail that is not only secure but cost- and resource-efficient.

During his 24 years serving the 1st Berkshire District, Bosley said he has shown consistent leadership in the areas of budgeting and economic development. As sheriff, Bosley will draw on his experience to ensure the Berkshire County sheriff's office, the jail and House of Correction, and the programs run by the sheriff's office receive fair funding from the state. Additionally, he said he will bring to the office an innovative approach that will allow him to improve systems and programs, making Berkshire County a safer place to live while conserving taxpayer dollars.

He would like to thank everyone who has helped him in the past and talk about his future vision for Berkshire County sheriff and the Berkshire House of Corrections.

The public is invited to celebrate his formal kick-Off for the race for Berkshire County sheriff.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — All 17 candidates on the May 11 town election ballot were offered free television time to introduce themselves to voters and say why they are running for positions ranging from library trustee to town moderator to selectman. 

WilliNet, Community Access TV for Williamstown, invited the candidates to videotape a short statement of up to five minutes in length. Over the course of three days, 12 of the 17 candidates taped their message in the Spring Street studio. They were combined for broadcast as "The Candidates Speak."

"'The Candidates Speak' offers voters the opportunity to put a face with the name on the ballot and acknowledges the efforts of the individual candidates, especially in the uncontested races," said WilliNet Executive Director Deb Dane. 

"The Candidates Speak" airs on WilliNet's Channel 17 and at willinet.org through May 10 or can be watched below.

Scott Nichols, candidate for selectman in the town of Adams, announced his campaign committee on Sunday.

"I am extremely excited by the overwhelming support I have received since I announced my candidacy," said Nichols. "For the past couple of years, I have had a number of people in the community encourage me to run again for office.  With Joe Dean stepping down after many years of distinguished service on the Board of Selectmen, I felt the timing was right."

Noelle Pandell is the chairman of Nichols'campaign committee and Jim Fassell will serve as treasurer.  Additional campaign committee members are Don Wright, Carol Corrigan, Norm Schutz, Jim Waltermire and Larry Pandell.  

"I would like to thank the Maple Grove Civic Club for hosting the open forum to allow all candidates to express their views on a number of topics," said Nichols, who participated in the Sunday event.