How Sweet It Was: Patrick Shines In Pittsfield

By Lou Garassino
12:00AM / Sunday, January 07, 2007

Gov. Deval Patrick mixed and mingled with supporters during a Jan. 6 inaugural celebration in Pittsfield.[photo by Lou Garassino]

Pittsfield - In most circumstances, singer James Taylor would be a hard act to follow but state Gov. Deval Patrick generated his own brand of star power during a Jan. 6 gubernatorial inaugural event that brought a large, supportive crowd to the Berkshire Museum and an enthusiastic contingent to the Colonial Theater.

Savor The Moment Now And Later

During remarks made at the theater, Patrick encouraged the crowd to capture the moment and remember the day as his two-year gubernatorial term unfolds. Patrick, who promised to bring change to the state during a grass-roots campaign, noted that results do not come quickly or easily.

"What I want is what I think you all want, which is long, full, lasting change," Patrick said.

Among the issues Patrick has targeted are affordable healthcare, a decrease in prescription drug prices, and increased public school funding.

“I ask you to take a little of what you feel right now and tuck it in your pocket because change isn’t easy,” Patrick said.

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray [photo by Lou Garassino]

Patrick and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray came to the Berkshire region as part of an inaugural tour that kicked off after a Jan. 4 Statehouse inauguration in Boston.

A Great, Historic Day

Patrick’s inaugural celebration was considered unique and was appreciated for many reasons, among them, a belief that the Berkshires have failed to draw gubernatorial attention in the past, according to several of those who attended the event.

State Rep. Wiliam "Smitty" Pignatelli was among the many elected state and municipal leaders at the Jan. 6 event. [photo by Lou Garassino]

“I think it’s fantastic, finally we have a governor who knows what Berkshire County is," said state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli.

High sprits were evident among numerous municipal and state elected officials because of Patrick’s venture to Berkshire County.

“I can’t say how much I appreciate the governor coming here to host his inaugural reception, a great day for Pittsfield, a historic day” said Pittsfield Mayor James M. Ruberto.

During remarks made at the theater, Ruberto spoke to the crowd and directly to Patrick.

“Your vision is the same vision we share in Berkshire County,” Ruberto said.

Among those at the event were U.S. Congressman John W. Olver, former state Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, who was recently appointed an economic advisor to Patrick, and state Sen. Benjamin Downing.

The Berkshires has hosted only one other gubernatorial inaugural celebration. After election in 1998, former Gov. A Paul Cellucci and North Adams native Lt. Gov. Jane Swift visited Drury High School for a celebratory event. Swift is a graduate of Drury High School.

The two-part inaugural event began at 2 p.m. with eager Berkshire region residents gathered within the museum to meet and congratulate Patrick.

Patrick And Murray In The Crowd

The two-hour museum bash focused on the Berkshires with a showcase of tasty treats from dozens of local restaurants and exhibits from civic groups, educational entities, businesses, and cultural organizations.

As Patrick entered the museum he was greeted by loud and enthusiastic applause from supporters. Patrick mingled with supporters and those present waited for their moment to meet and speak briefly with him.

Pittsfield Fire Inspector Randy Stein commented on Patrick’s decision for choosing the Berkshires as an inaugural celebration stop.

“I think it’s great because the common thought is anything west of the river is were the state ends," Stein said.

Murray moved through the crowd and accepted congratulations as he spoke with people.

“It’s great to see a big crowd, very enthusiastic," Murray said. "Today is an example of the approach Deval and I are going to bring [to state government].”

Before being elected as lieutenant governor, Murray was Worcester's mayor. He has been credited with fueling economic growth by expanding commuter rail service, practicing Brownfield concepts, and maximizing job creation and business development.

Berkshire Community College President Paul E. Raverta acknowledged the day's significance.

“It was a wonderful day for Pittsfield and Berkshire County," Raverta said. "Governor Patrick shows interest in western Massachusetts, which is refreshing."

Youth Strut Their Stuff

The inaugural celebration moved to the newly renovated Colonial Theatre at about 4 p.m. and the hour-long event included musical performances from a variety of young musicians.

The Pittsfield High School jazz band was one of several acts playing the venue, jamming to a colorful version of the Blues Brothers classic “Soul Man.” The Berkshire Children's Youth Chorus of Sheffield, The Barrington Stage Company's youth production of "Fame: The Musical," and a Pittsfield step drum and dance team called "Youth Alive!" delivered performances.

"Youth Alive" performer Jerome Edgerton wowed the crowd with a drum solo performed on a large-size plastic pail.

James Taylor

Taylor - who referred to the renovated theater venue as a "jewel" - captivated the audience with classic Taylor hits such as “You’ve got a Friend,” and “Fire and Rain.”

"Fire and Rain" was reminiscent of Patrick's early days on the campaign trail while "You've Got A Friend" should remind state residents that they have a friend in Patrick, Taylor said.

Taylor's performance was rewarded with an overwhelming standing ovation.

Governor For The "Entire Commonwealth"

The event delivered a positive perception of the city and the region, said Berkshire Museum Director of Marketing Sherrill Ingalls.

“It was great, a lot of people working together, a great event and we were happy to have it at the museum," Ingalls said. "I think it shows how Berkshire County works together and presents a good image to the world.”

Patrick plans to continues the inaugural tour until 8:00 p.m. today.. Between Wed. Jan. 3rd and later today, the Governor is expected to have traveled to Worcester, Boston, North Andover, Pittsfield, Springfield, Hyannis, and North Dartmouth.

Patrick's apparent desire for a feeling of inclusion bodes well for state citizens, according to state Rep. Christopher Speranzo.

“The new governor intends to be governor for the entire commonwealth,” Speranzo said.