Letter: Alex Blumin for City Council

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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.

 

 


Tags: election 2023,   endorsement,   municipal election,   


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Why Berkshire Community College Is Essential to Our Community

Berkshire Community College is central to the life of Berkshire County, and nothing demonstrates BCC's contribution to the community more than its ability to provide a trained, ready workforce. BCC is deeply connected to the needs of our Berkshire County employers, tailoring its academic programs to specifically meet their needs. The nursing program, for example, trains professionals in many nursing fields that keep up with an ever-growing demand. Meanwhile, BCC's workforce training certificates
cover high-demand employment areas, including social services, hospitality, manufacturing, engineering, education, computers and IT, business, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and more.
 
With free community college in Massachusetts, BCC attracts students from diverse backgrounds who are either entering the workforce for the first time, or who seek to gain or improve their skills and expand their careers. Free tuition supports students to succeed across the Commonwealth, and BCC is no exception. This past year, enrollment was up 13 percent. The number of students pursuing a certificate or degrees is up a stunning 73 percent over fall 2022.
 
Access and support
BCC's mission begins with access. Its welcoming environment draws students from across the Berkshires, the Commonwealth and beyond. That diversity is what makes the College special. Perhaps no one understands this better than outgoing BCC President Ellen Kennedy, who is retiring after 14 years of service to the College.
 
"Everything we do — every program we offer, every strategic plan we create, every building improvement we make — means nothing without access," Kennedy said. "The real meaning of community college is exactly what its name implies: a place for the community that welcomes everyone, regardless of where they are starting from, and gives them the tools to succeed."
 
Such supports are critical for student success, and it is an area in which BCC "truly shines," Kennedy said. From tutoring and mentorship to ensuring students have access to food and transportation, BCC makes it possible for students to complete degrees or certificates on their own timeline, including many who never thought it possible.
 
"We have students who haven't stepped foot in a classroom for decades, who never thought they would be going back to school, and who might be incredibly nervous at the prospect," she said. "Sometimes, those students might be working multiple jobs to make ends meet. They might struggle putting food on the table or finding care for their children or their parents or grandparents. Once we understand what a student needs, we act."
 
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