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.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Bissaillon's campaign kick-off spaghetti supper will be Thursday, May 13, from 4 to 7 at the North Adams American Legion.

The event provides an opportunity to meet the candidate running for state representative, 1st Berkshire District, or for people who already know him to learn more about why Bissaillon seeks to represent the district at the
State House.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and kids under 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Creations  and Shima on Main Street or Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency Inc. in Adams. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

To donate baked goods for the dessert table, contact Ashley Cote at 413-663-6209.

"I hope to see new friends and old at this event, so I can continue hearing from you about the state legislative issues that matter to you," Bissaillon said.

Bissaillon, a vice president at Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance Agency and former president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, has a long history of community service.

He seeks to convert his professional and community experience to public service by representing the residents of the 11 communities that comprise the 1st Berkshire District. The district consists of Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy and Williamstown, all in Berkshire County, and Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe in Franklin County.

For more information, visit www.bissaillon.com, call 413-672-2460, or e-mail dave@bissaillon.com.