PCTV and iBerkshires Hosting Preliminary Election Debates

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Candidates in the preliminary election will pitch their ideas during live debates hosted by Pittsfield Community Television in partnership with iBerkshires on Tuesday.

Debates will be held on Sept. 5 at the Berkshire Athenaeum beginning at 5 p.m. with Ward 2 followed by Ward 7 at 6 p.m. and the mayoral debate at 7 p.m.

These races will be trimmed on Sept. 19 in preparation for the general election on Nov. 7.

The mayoral debate will feature Peter Marchetti, John Krol, and Karen Kalinowsky.  The three are running to replace Mayor Linda Tyer, who is not seeking re-election.  

Krol is a former city councilor and Marchetti and Kalinowsky are current city councilors. This is the second mayoral bid for both Marchetti and Kalinowsky.

The Ward 2 debate will feature Soncere Williams, Alexander Blumin, and Brittany Bandani.  They are vying for the seat to replace current councilor Charles Kronick, who is not seeking re-election.

The Ward 7 debate will feature incumbent Anthony Maffuccio and challengers Jonathan Morey and Rhonda Serre. The other races did not meet the criteria for a preliminary.

The series of debates is moderated by representatives of iBerkshires and Pittsfield Community Television.  Panelists from WAMC, The Berkshire Edge, and iBerkshires will present questions to the candidates.  

PCTV and iBerkshires are also soliciting questions from the public.

Central Berkshire Picks Insider Henault for Next Superintendent

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:30PM / Wednesday, April 02, 2025

Michael Henault is interviewed by the School Committee on Wednesday. 

DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee didn't go far to find its next superintendent. 

 

The committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to offer the post to Michael Henault, who has been the district's assistant superintendent for three years. 

 

"He is an incredible candidate. It doesn't matter for what district, and I think he is ready, and certainly chomping at the bit to take on the next challenge," said Charlotte Crane, committee member. 

 

"I suspect that we wouldn't be able to hold on again for too much longer in the assistant superintendent position." 

 

The vote came at the end of a four-hour meeting during which Henault and two other finalists — John Franzoni, superintendent of the Northern Berkshire School Union, and Matthew Bishop, interim deputy superintendent for the Pittsfield Public Schools — were interviewed. 

 

The 13 of the 15 committee members representing the seven towns in the district agreed that it was a difficult decision because of the quality of the candidates. 

 

"I'm extremely torn right now," said Ellen Lattizzori of Dalton.