Barrett Still State’s Longest Serving Mayor

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Mayor John Barrett III won a 12th term as mayor during a Nov. 8 city election.

North Adams – Mayor John Barrett III won a 12th consecutive two-year term during a Nov. 8 city election and the victory means that Barrett holds his standing as the longest serving mayor in the state.

Barrett received 1,968 votes; Smith received 474 votes.

Speaking from a celebration held at the Steeples restaurant, Barrett said that the city has a solid mandate and he is looking forward to the next two years.

“We have such a special community here,” Barrett said. “I go all over the country speaking about our success story. Sometimes we forget how far we’ve come. We have reinvented ourselves over the past 20 years, and that’s all due to new ideas.”

Barrett said that he was confident that he would be reelected, and stepped up his reelection efforts over the past 10 days to counter what he believes was a surge in negativity.

“I really wanted to let people know that I respect the office,” Barrett said. “I was concerned because the old, ugly undercurrent was rearing its’ ugly head. I can say that I did not run for office, I stood for office.”

Standing for office also means standing by the best interests of the community and that can mean taking strong stands, Barrett said.

“Sometimes I get into battles; I got into a battle with Neil Ellis [of the K-mart Plaza property owner First Hartford Realty],” Barrett acknowledged. “But now we are working together. I am sure that things will be happening there [at the plaza property].”

Smith was not available for comment following the election.

City Council challenger Christopher Tremblay was elected to the council and will begin a two-year term in January.

City Council candidate Christopher Tremblay of 57 Harris St. will be the only new face on the council following a January swearing-in ceremony. Tremblay finished ninth with a total of 1,118 votes; council challenger Andrew Etman finished in 10th place with 981 votes.

Tremblay said that he appreciates the support of city voters and pledged to work diligently for city residents.

“I will work to do my best for the people of North Adams,” Tremblay said during a telephone interview.

Incumbents Richard Alcombright, Clark Billings, Michael Bloom, Ronald Boucher, Gailanne Cariddi, Marie Harpin, Alan Marden, and Robert Moulton Jr. were returned to the council.

Alcombright generated the most voter support with a five ward total of 2,226 votes. Alcombright was also returned to the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District School Committee; he was unopposed for the school committee seat. The vocational school district school committee governs the Charles H. McCann Technical High School.

“I‘m very happy to serve another two years as a city councilor and happy to serve on the McCann school committee,” Alcombright said.

He offered words of support and praise to all the city election candidates.

“I offer congratulations to all those who ran during this election,” Alcombright said. “It is not an easy thing to do, and I truly hope that they all continue to remain involved in city affairs.”

A more detailed election report will be posted at www.iberkshires.com later today.

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.