Letter: Alex Blumin for City Council

To the Editor: I am excited to endorse Mr. Alex Blumin for Ward 2 City Council. When we elect Mr. Blumin, we continue Ward 2's tradition of self-governance. We consistently choose the independent voice to represent our interests. We have a tradition of preserving a philosophy of reasonable inquiry of elected officials, and we demand responsible financial governance.

Ward 2 awaits the city's fulfillment of its promises to complete roadwork and fix abandoned homes. Mr. Blumin will push the city to achieve these promises. The mayor aggressively hiked water and sewer rates twice in the last two years, and she promised more increases. Ward 2 residents worry about the ever-expanding city budget they are forced to fund. Alex Blumin shares your worries and will fight for responsible budgets. Mr. Blumin will continue to promote reducing your taxes and reducing water rates by using your tax dollars locked in free cash and the cannabis reserves.

City Hall spending lacks transparency. The next councilor will see the $41 million in ARPA funds spent down. The ARPA Advisory Committee meets in secret and spends money on projects that do not appear to benefit Ward 2. The City Council has not had any input on a single dollar spent. Mr. Blumin would dare to ask the hard questions: What did the ARPA Committee discuss in their secret meetings? Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) has new funding coming up. Will it support the destitute business environment in Pittsfield and Ward 2? Mr. Blumin will insist that it does.

When Mr. Blumin whispered "corruption" in his debate, he dared to state a fact of our government that many councilors privately discuss. I saw a man display his love and admiration for our legal traditions and institutions. You saw his courage to hold our leaders to high standards and principles.

Mr. Blumin has a long involvement in city politics, and the time is now for him to lead. He has the intelligence and courage to do the job. Ward 2, you must turn out on Sept. 19, and I strongly urge you to vote for Alex Blumin for your councilor.

Charles Kronick
Pittsfield, Mass.

Charles Kronick is the current Ward 2 councilor and is not running for re-election.

Third No Kings Rally Adds War in Iran to List of Grievances

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
06:24PM / Saturday, March 28, 2026

 

State Sen. Paul Mark was at four rallies on Saturday. He and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, both seen here in Pittsfield, said what they heard today will inspire them on Beacon Hill. . 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Even the frigid wind couldn't silence the voices of thousands of protestors across the county.  

 

In Pittsfield, more than 1,000 people were at the Common, wearing custom T-shirts, and costumes ranging from the Statue of Liberty to inflatable animals, or just holding signs condemning the President Donald Trump and his administration. 

 

This third "No Kings" rally, following on the protests last June and October, saw hundreds of thousands of Americans and others across the world take to the streets and the parks to oppose a growing list of actions made by the administration. 

 

This time, signs protesting the war against Iran joined others focusing on constitutional rights like voting and free speech, democracy, and protecting marginalized groups.

 

Activists, musicians, and some public officials attended the protest, including state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier in Pittsfield; state Rep. John Barrett III was in North Adams. None of the legislators spoke at the rallies. 

 

Farley-Bouvier said the people of Pittsfield were at the rally in resistance and joy — standing up together to say, "enough is enough."

 

Some days the role of a state representative is hard and days like this inspire and rejuvenate the drive to go back out there and fight another day, she said.