Rep. Daniel E. Bosley

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Daniel E. Bosley will officially launch his campaign for sheriff of Berkshire County on Wednesday, May 12.

Bosley, a Democrat who has represented the 1st Berkshire District in the state Legislature since 1987, is running to fill the post being vacated by Sheriff Carmen Massimiano.

The official campaign kickoff event will be held at the American Legion beginning at 7 p.m.

Bosley said he plans to put his background in public policy, public financing and public safety to work running an effective and proactive sheriff's office and a jail that is not only secure but cost- and resource-efficient.

During his 24 years serving the 1st Berkshire District, Bosley said he has shown consistent leadership in the areas of budgeting and economic development. As sheriff, Bosley will draw on his experience to ensure the Berkshire County sheriff's office, the jail and House of Correction, and the programs run by the sheriff's office receive fair funding from the state. Additionally, he said he will bring to the office an innovative approach that will allow him to improve systems and programs, making Berkshire County a safer place to live while conserving taxpayer dollars.

He would like to thank everyone who has helped him in the past and talk about his future vision for Berkshire County sheriff and the Berkshire House of Corrections.

The public is invited to celebrate his formal kick-Off for the race for Berkshire County sheriff.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — All 17 candidates on the May 11 town election ballot were offered free television time to introduce themselves to voters and say why they are running for positions ranging from library trustee to town moderator to selectman. 

WilliNet, Community Access TV for Williamstown, invited the candidates to videotape a short statement of up to five minutes in length. Over the course of three days, 12 of the 17 candidates taped their message in the Spring Street studio. They were combined for broadcast as "The Candidates Speak."

"'The Candidates Speak' offers voters the opportunity to put a face with the name on the ballot and acknowledges the efforts of the individual candidates, especially in the uncontested races," said WilliNet Executive Director Deb Dane. 

"The Candidates Speak" airs on WilliNet's Channel 17 and at willinet.org through May 10 or can be watched below.

Scott Nichols, candidate for selectman in the town of Adams, announced his campaign committee on Sunday.

"I am extremely excited by the overwhelming support I have received since I announced my candidacy," said Nichols. "For the past couple of years, I have had a number of people in the community encourage me to run again for office.  With Joe Dean stepping down after many years of distinguished service on the Board of Selectmen, I felt the timing was right."

Noelle Pandell is the chairman of Nichols'campaign committee and Jim Fassell will serve as treasurer.  Additional campaign committee members are Don Wright, Carol Corrigan, Norm Schutz, Jim Waltermire and Larry Pandell.  

"I would like to thank the Maple Grove Civic Club for hosting the open forum to allow all candidates to express their views on a number of topics," said Nichols, who participated in the Sunday event.

Valerie Hall

Valerie Hall, of 33 Stratton Road, has announced her candidacy for the Williamstown Elementary School Committee.

In a statement received by iBerkshires, she said she has spent the past several years serving the school in different capacities. She is a member and former president and vice president of the PTO board member. She volunteers in classrooms weekly, and has worked on the school directory, science night, field day, the 6th-grade yearbook, and many other projects. 

Hall also volunteers in the Religious Education Program at the Parish of Sts. Patrick and Raphael.

"I love Williamstown Elementary School and am excited about this new opportunity to support our wonderful school," said Hall. "I am looking forward to working with the current committee members, the administration, and the teachers during these tough budget times. I believe strongly in maintaining the character and reputation for excellence our children are fortunate to enjoy at our school today.”

Hall holds bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering; she spent several years designing communications satellites. She and her husband, Allen, have been residents of Williamstown since 2001 and their children both attend Williamstown Elementary.

For more information, Hall can be contacted at 413-458-2853, vlphall@yahoo.com or on her Facebook page.
 

State Treasurer Tim Cahill stopped to speak with our media partner Berkshire News Network on Monday, March 29.

Cahill is stumping for governor under the independent label rather than under the Democratic Party banner. He visited Pittsfield on Monday and took a tour of Soldier On, which constructing housing for veterans.

Cahill said he decided to run as an independent because he wanted to escape the labels of both the Democratic and Republican parties. He will stand a better chance of getting things done as an independent than either party can do on its own.

He's going after the 51 percent of voters who are independent; the same ones Republican Scott Brown went after in his stunning win for U.S. Senate in January. Cahill said he is in favor of a tax cut but that the state would also have to cut its spending, especially in health care. He's also in favor of casino gambling in Massachusetts, something that Gov. Deval Patrick has also supported. His campaign site is www.timforgovernor.com.