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Pittsfield Ward 5 Candidate Lothrop Sets Dinner Fundraiser
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jonathan Lothrop, Ward 5 city councilor, will host a campaign fundraiser this Thursday, Oct. 13, at the American Legion on 41 Wendell Ave. from 5 to 7 p.m.Lothrop is seeking a fifth term as the council representative of the southwest Pittsfield district.
The event will feature a pasta dinner with homemade desserts. A cash bar will be available. A contribution of $20 at the door is suggested; children 12 and younger are welcome for free. Checks may be made out to Citizens to Elect Jonathan Lothrop.
For more information, call 281-0994 or email jlothrop@Berkshire.rr.com.
Malumphy Says Opponent's Anti-Choice Stance Hidden
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Following a unity rally for 3rd Berkshire District Democratic nominee, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Malumphy reached out to Lee Harrison, the chairman of the Berkshire Brigades (the countywide organization for the Democratic Party) to relay that she had learned that their nominee was anti-choice.
Mr. Harrison responded with an email stating, "I guess this response sums it up" and attached a letter written to Massachusetts Democrats by Chairman Walsh.
In the letter, Walsh offered the following:
"Tricia and I don't need to agree on every issue for me to be enthusiastic in my efforts to support her election."
The letter, however, never states what issue or issues Mr. Walsh is referring only leaving further suspicion that Ms. Bouvier's anti-choice stance is being hidden. In this letter, which begins with a reference to Congressman Barney Frank, Mr. Walsh gives the impression that he and Ms. Bouvier disagree on a far less important issue than one that is fundamental to the core of the Massachusetts Democratic Party platform.
"I was offended that Mr. Harrison was so dismissive regarding this crucial issue and equally offended in reading the letter from Chairman Walsh. He begins by making a reference to Congressman Frank which only added another layer of vagary to a letter that never addresses the real issue of Ms. Bouvier being anti-choice," said Malumphy. "What is the Democratic party if it does not uphold its core value in supporting a woman's right to choose?"
Speaking as a former Democrat, Malumphy is a pro-choice advocate currently chairing the Berkshire Commission on the Status of Women and a member of a countywide consortium working to address the critically important issue of teen pregnancy.
[Farley-Bouvier has said she is personally against abortion but supports programs that educate about pregnancy and family planning. In a statement in The Berkshire Eagle, Farley-Bouvier said, "As an elected official, I understand that I am responsible for all of my constituents and their varied needs. ... Roe v. Wade is the law of the land and it is my responsibility to uphold the law. I will not vote to restrict access to or funding for programs and services for women who seek services."]
LETTER FROM JOHN WALSH BELOW
We support Democrats in elections
Like so many things, Barney Frank has the most interesting way of describing situations like this. I once heard the congressman explain that there was only ONCE where he voted for a candidate whom he agreed with on everything. That was himself — the FIRST time he ran. He conceded that by the time he was running for reelection there were a few votes he wasn’t too happy about. I guess the point the congressman was making – and one I agree with – is there are many different factors voters take into consideration when casting their votes for a candidate. Our party is strong because Democratic primary voters are wise in their decision-making and we nominate and elect excellent candidates who hold a wide variety of positions on many issues. As a state party organization, we trust the wisdom of the people who make up our party on the ground and once they have chosen the nominee we do what we can to help them win.
The Democratic primary voters in Pittsfield had a familiar challenge: three talented Democrats running for this one open seat. They chose in Tricia Farley-Bouvier a woman who has worked hard for Democrats and Democratic causes for many years. She ran a grassroots, door-knocking, person-to-person campaign that would make anyone in the BMG community proud. Tricia and I don't need to agree on every issue for me to be enthusiastic in my efforts to support her election. If the voters in Pittsfield agree, she'll be a welcome addition to a very strong – and very Democratic – legislative delegation from the Berkshires.
Last week, I traveled to Pittsfield with two members of our staff for the event to kick off the final election. Our staff has been in regular touch with Tricia and her team this week and I’m looking forward to being back in Pittsfield early on Saturday to help and would encourage any Democrat who is free to join Auditor Suzanne Bump as Tricia's campaign kicks off a canvassing effort that will be crucial to her victory.
It's beautiful in the Berkshires this time of year.
John Walsh, Chair
Massachusetts Democratic Party
North Adams Upholds Preliminary Election Results
 With council President (and mayoral candidate) Ronald Boucher recusing himself from the discussion, council Vice President Lisa Blackmer presided at the emergency meeting. |
 City Solicitor John DeRosa said the petition would uphold the election results. |
The ballots for the preliminary election held on Sept. 28 erroneously instructed voters to select up to two candidates, which 460 voters did. However, voting for more candidates than there are seats to be elected violates state law.
Following the election, City Solicitor John DeRosa rendered an opinion that even if those votes were not counted, the same two candidates would have received the most votes and, therefore, the results could be upheld by an act through the state Legislature.
"Even if you didn't count 460 votes, the results would be the same," DeRosa told city councilors Wednesday. "What you do tonight will let the vote stand."
The home-rule petition will validate the election results instead of forcing the city to hold a second election or to throw out the ballots of 460 voters. The petition is expected to be shipped overnight to state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, D-North Adams, and state Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, to be filed on Beacon Hill.
The city solicitor said there was precedence for the action and did not see any problems in getting legislative approval. The home-rule petition process gives municipalities some "built in flexibility" because technical and clerical errors can occur, he said.
Councilor Michael Bloom asked what the petition means for the vote totals and DeRosa said the totals would remain. The ballots, which are currently stored in the city safe, have not and will not be recounted unless a candidate asks for a recount, DeRosa said.
"We don't want to change, to subtract or add," DeRosa said.
The totals of 1,105 for Richard Alcombright, 741 for Ronald Boucher and 216 for Robert Martelle will be the official results. Alcombright, the incumbent, and Boucher will move on to the general election in November.
"We went through this from every conceivable mathematical way," DeRosa said. "We are quite comfortable we got it right."
City Council candidate Robert Cardimino voiced opposition to the petition and called it unconstitutional to "throw the votes out." However, the petition actually approves the illegal votes, which means 460 people got to vote for two candidates.
The council approved 7-0 with Boucher recusing himself — and sitting in the gallery — and Marie Harpin absent.
DeRosa said City Clerk Marilyn Gomeau contacted his office the day after the election with her concerns. The error was an "honest mistake" but one that he said had not caused "irreparable damage."
"There is no question that this is a good-faith error," DeRosa said. "Sometimes honest people make honest mistakes."
Beaver Mill Artists Talk Features Council Candidates
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Beaver Mill's First Thursdays Artist Discussion this month again features candidates for City Council.Four candidates, Gail Sellers, Lisa Blackmer, Greg Roach and David Bond, have accepted an invitation to talk to artists and interested residents about how the council will work with the art community and now the city can capitalize on the arts.
The discussion will be held at Frog Lotus Yoga in the mill on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 6:30 to 8. Use the front door entrance on the first floor; parking is available across the street. While established as a forum for the local artists community to discuss issues, the monthly talks are open to the public.
This is the second session in which candidates who have indicated a specific interest in exploring the best ways the city, via the council, can utilize the art community for mutual benefit, will discuss their ideas with artists and interested residents. The arts have been an important economic engine for the city; how to continue this relationship could determine how successful the city is in the future.
The previous First Thursday Discussion also had four candidates. Since this is not meant to be a full debate it has been limited to those who have indicated an interest in the arts, so that there will be time for a discussion with all participants. If there is a willingness to do more, an additional discussion on Nov. 3 (First Thursday) could be scheduled before the election.
Discussions about various topics of interest to artists are hosted by different studios within the Beaver Mill each month.
The mill is located next to Natural Bridge State Park, 189 Beaver St. Light refreshments will be served.
Miller Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Fund
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The announcement comes on the heels of the endorsement by Mass Alliance, the statewide coalition that includes Planned Parenthood.
George Hollister Isman of Mass Alliance cited Mark's pro-choice stance in her statement announcing the coalition's endorsement of the Green/Rainbow Party candidate: "Mark Miller is the clear progressive choice for state representative. His commitment to excellent public schools, good local jobs, a woman's right to choose, and a heath care system that is truly universal and affordable will make him a strong progressive voice in the State House."
Together with the support of the UAW, Mass Nurses and Mass Alliance, this latest endorsement shows that the GRP's Mark Miller is staking out political ground usually occupied by Democrats. In a post-primary mailing to Democratic voters, Miller highlighted his respect for Ryan Scago and Pete White, who together won 60 percent of the votes. Referring to their suggestions for job-creation in Pittsfield, Miller wrote:
"It's hardly surprising that I agreed with Pete and Ryan. After all, my political heroes are FDR and Harry Truman, and I've voted for every Democratic presidential nominee from LBJ to Barack Obama ... I'm running as a Green rather than as a Democrat because of my commitment to progressive, Democratic values. Pittsfield needs a new kind of representative and Massachusetts needs a new kind of politics."
The special election will take place Tuesday, Oct. 18.
State Election