The multi-partisan organization Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus political action committee has endorsed Gailanne Cariddi for the 1st Berkshire District seat in the state House of Representatives.
 
“Gailanne Cariddi has an extensive background in business, and will be an excellent asset to the Massachusetts House of Representatives,” said MWPC Executive Director Priti Rao. “We are confident that she will be able to use these skills to address the most pressing and critical economic needs faced by the residents of 1st Berkshire District during these challenging times.”

“It is an excellent opportunity to be endorsed by the MWPC," said Cariddi. "The MWPC is an important instrument in electing qualified women candidates into political offices, and I am thankful for their support. It is my hope that they will continue to increase the involvement of women in the political process.”

The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus works to increase the number of women elected and appointed to public office and public policy positions and to increase the involvement of women of all ages in the political process to give women the skills they need for effective political and public policy participation. For more information, visit www.mwpcpac.org.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  — The sun broke through gray clouds just after noontime Friday. It was perfect synchronicity for Gailanne Cariddi.

To kick off her campaign to become state representative of First Berkshire District, Cariddi shed light on her top priorities in front of the North Adams Public Library. Joined by a modest gathering of family, friends and supporters, including fellow Councilors Ronald Boucher and Marie Harpin, the North Adams native drew upon her more than 20 years of experience as an elected official and her imbedded roots in the business field as the outlining criteria for her candidacy.

"I am committed to using my skills as a listener and facilitator to bring our collective wisdom to Boston," said Cariddi, who is in her 21st year as a city councilor. "I know that working together we can make our district and our commonwealth better, safer and more prosperous."

Cariddi is hoping to fill the position currently held by fellow North Adams resident Daniel E. Bosley, who is ending his 24-year tenure as state rep in an attempt to become Berkshire County sheriff. Cariddi, 56, is running against David Bissaillon and Edward McDonald, both Adams Democrats, with the primary election date set for Sept. 14.

She said the First Berkshire District, which encompasses 11 communities, has an "economic engine" in the arts, culture and creative sector. If elected, Cariddi plans on creating a capital fund to foster the development of new space for artists. She also hit on topics ranging from small-business growth, small-town farming, health-care costs and budget control, which can be found in more detail here.

Cariddi also discussed the state's PILOT ("payment in lieu of taxes") fund, which provides annual payments to communities that host state property. According to Cariddi, the First Berkshire District is home to 47,000 acres of of state-owned land, and in rural towns such as Hawley, Monroe and Savoy, the PILOT fund is a vital source of aid.

"Despite reports from the state auditor that the program be fully funded, this has hardly ever occurred," she said. "This year, the program is slated to be level funded at $27.2 million, well short of where the appropriation needs to be. If elected, I will join the Legislative Rural Caucus to push for full funding of the PILOT budget."

Standing beside Cariddi during her speech, which was taped for Northern Berkshire Community Television, was her 94-year-old father, Jimmy Cariddi. He has been an operating partner with Cariddi Sales Co. for over 70 years, and said his daughter was a hard worker from a very young age.

"She started working with me when she was 10 or 11 years old," he said.

While she's a seasoned vet in city government, Cariddi is looking forward to the new challenges of a broader role. She admitted that the biggest challenge, if elected, will be her status as a freshman rep.

"You don't have all the clout you probably deserve going down to Beacon Hill [as a new rep]," she said. "I think I'll earn their respect with my work ethic and my ability to network and communicate with my co-legislators."

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.

FLORIDA, Mass. — Daniel E. Bosley's boyhood mountain home will be the setting for the first forum between Democratic candidates vying to replace him.

North Adams City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi; David Bissaillon, former president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Chester Town Administrator Edward MacDonald, a former Adams selectman, will appear at the Florida Senior Center on Route 2 on Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

The forum is sponsored by the Florida Council on Aging and the Williamstown League of Women Voters. The moderator will be Williamstown Selectwoman Jane Allen. The public is encouraged to attend and to come prepared with questions.

Bosley is stepping down after 12 terms representing the 1st Berkshire District in the State House to run for sheriff.

With no Republican or independent candidate in sight, the winner of the September primary will likely be North County's new representative.

The 1st Berkshire seat covers Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy and Williamstown, and Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe in Franklin County. The candidates all hail from Berkshire County; Cariddi is a North Adams native and both Bissaillon and MacDonald are from Adams.

iBerkshires hopes to post audio of the forum by early next week.