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Bianchi Identifies PEDA As Top Priority
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"If I am elected mayor of Pittsfield, one of my first points of action will be to appoint myself to the PEDA board," Bianchi said. "I have said that I would want to be an active member of this board and help lead its efforts to recruit new business to Pittsfield. In my opinion, just three months shy of leaving office is not the appropriate time to have a completely reconstituted board. This project is far too valuable to the city of Pittsfield and its economic resurgence."
During Bianchi's bid for the corner office in 2009, Ruberto had publicly apologized for his lack of leadership at PEDA. At that time, Ruberto made a promise to Pittsfield voters that he would lead the project until his term as mayor expired.
"For the past several years, residents have listed the development of the PEDA property as one of their top priorities," Bianchi noted. "When I served on the City Council and since then, I have been concerned about the mayor's commitment to the leadership of the PEDA project. I share the public's disappointment in the lack of urgency to establish and achieve milestones and to set developmental goals. I question the mayor's resignation from the Board at this time.
"My opponent, who is a close confidant of Mayor Ruberto, has publicly stated he does not want to serve on the PEDA Board. This is where we disagree. I won't be satisfied with quarterly updates from the board. I will take a proactive role to ensure that the board has the resources and mayoral involvement to develop the park and much more importantly, be a catalyst for attracting new employers to Pittsfield. My priority is creating jobs," Bianchi said.
"Under the right leadership and with the support of a committed board, I'm confident this project could provide Pittsfield with a unique opportunity to create new jobs and secure additional revenue for the city.
"After researching the original consent decree, and analyzing the provisions of Section 268 of Chapter 295 of the Massachusetts fiscal year 1999 budget (PEDA legislation), I recognize the tremendous influence and authority the Mayor has with regards to the development of this project. If elected mayor, I will take that responsibility very seriously and use good judgment and fair review when considering board appointments and staff appointments. I want to be sure that the PEDA board is representative of our community at large, populated with the appropriate talent and has the necessary resources to meet the critical next phase of the operation," Bianchi added.
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