Berkshires, State Return Incumbents & Pass MCAS Question

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts voters sent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren back to Capitol Hill.
 
She was leading challenger Republican John Deaton with 60 percent of the vote with half the precincts reporting at 11 p.m.
 
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal also fended of a challenge from independent Nadia Milleron with 65 percent of the vote in the First Mass District. 
 
State Sen. Paul Mark was leading his opponent, Republican David Rosa, 72 percent to 28 percent with 30 percent of precincts reporting. 
 
State Reps. John Barrett III (North Adams) and Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Pittsfield) were running unopposed as was Tara Jacobs (North Adams) for Governor's Council in the 8th District. 
 
All winning incumbents are Democrats and were the choices for the reporting Berkshire communities. 
 
The Third Berkshire District saw a tighter race as Leigh Davis and MartyBeth Mitts vied to replace outgoing William "Smitty" Pignatelli. Davis was leading with 56 percent of the vote. 
 
Three of the five ballot questions looked to be on track for passage late Tuesday night. 
 
Question 1, on auditing the Legislature, had passed by large margins in reporting communities statewide with the exception of Spencer narrowly defeating it. The issue had been a campaign priority of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who says it will bring greater accountability and transparency to Beacon Hill. 
 
The Legislature had been regularly audited until the early 1990s. It is not uncommon in other states. 
 
Question 2, on removing passage of the 10th grade MCAS test as a graduation requirement, also seemed to be headed for passage. Reporting Berkshire communities easily passed the question.
 
Question 3, on allowing drivers of ride services to unionize, was polling at more than 50 percent. Reporting towns in central and southeast Massachusetts were opposed, as was Savoy, the only Berkshire community so voting against. 
 
Question 4, legalizing certain natural psychedelics, was being roundly rejected. Becket and New Marlborough joined Northampton and some hilltowns in approving the measure. Some towns around Boston and Nantucket also voted in favor. 
 
Question 5, that would put tipped employees on minimum wage also appeared to be defeated. Becket and New Marlborough were joined by Williamstown in passing the question, along with some towns near Boston. 

Tags: election 2024,   

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Clarksburg Joining Drug Prevention Coalition

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Select Board has agreed to join a collaborative effort for drug prevention and harm reduction.
 
The new coalition will hire a North County community coordinator who will be headquartered on the North Adams Regional Hospital campus and who oversee allocations for harm reduction, education and prevention efforts. Berkshire Health Systems has also committed about $120,000 over the next five years. 
 
Clarksburg, one of the first communities to sign on to the opioid lawsuit filed by a consortium of states several years ago, has so far received payouts of $23,594.78. It's expected to receive nearly $64,000 by the end of the 16-year payout. 
 
In October, the board had discussed whether to pool that money with other communities, expressing concerns that the small town would not receive enough benefits.
 
"Anytime there's a pooling of money I think countywide, I think we know where the bulk goes to," said member Colton Andrew said Monday. "I'm more open to the idea of keeping the money here but open to hearing your intentions and how the mony will be allocated."
 
Chair Robert Norcross said he felt there seemed to be a focus on harm reduction, such as the use of Narcan, and not enough for prevention or problem-solving.
 
But after hearing from members of the nascent coalition, members voted Monday night to partner with other Northern Berkshire communities.
 
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