NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshire News Network and iBerkshires.com will host an hourlong debate between the candidates for mayor of North Adams on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at 9 a.m. on WNAW 1230-AM.

Incumbent Richard Alcombright and challengers Ronald A. Boucher and Robert Martelle will face off in a preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to determine the two candidates who will be on the ballot for the general election in November.

The debate is being hosted at Vox Communications radio station WNAW in North Adams and will air live on 1230-AM. The candidates will be asked questions by Larry Kratka, news director for the Berkshire News Network; Tammy Daniels, editor of iBerkshires.com, and Jennifer Huberdeau, senior reporter for the North Adams Transcript.

The questions will be determined by the media hosts, however, iBerkshires readers are invited to post their questions to info@iberkshires.com or on www.Facebook.com/iBerkshires, or tweet us @iBerkshires. If we don't get a chance to answer your questions, we will submit them to the candidates.

Stephen Fillio	Donna Walto	Joseph Nichols	Daniel Bianchi	Peter Marchetti

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Candidates vying to be the next mayor of Pittsfield spent just over an hour on Monday night staking out positions on issues ranging from school maintenance to the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority.

Stephen Fillio, Donna Walto, Joseph Nichols, Daniel Bianchi and Peter Marchetti, aligned according to their ballot position, answered questions from moderator Larry Kratka on the stage in the Boland Theatre at Berkshire Community College. Their numbers will be narrowed down to two in the preliminary election slated on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

More than a few of their responses were similar, but they diverged to some extent over use of the PEDA and how to bring jobs back to the city.

"The sense of urgency isn't there," said Bianchi of the PEDA board, noting the members all had jobs."We have to have a greater sensitivity to those people who are not that fortunate. We've got some real challenges."

The operation of PEDA was a flashpoint in Bianchi's narrow loss against Mayor James Ruberto two years ago. The former city councilor said he would appoint himself to the board that has been "plodding along" to ensure "a well-defined planned marketing plan." He also promoted the idea of an business development director to search out good companies and an incentive package to attract them, not just for PEDA but the city as a whole. "We need to have a greater sense of urgency to get these things done."

Marchetti said he would not appoint himself to the board but would put the members on notice they'd be replaced if they didn't perform. "I would make clear to them that we have goals and objectives that we need to meet," he said. "And if we can't meet them then by all means the appointing authority (mayor) needs to replace each member of the PEDA board that does not want to toe the line."

The current city councilor said communication was a major problem with the PEDA board and he would require a quarterly report to the City Council "so the public understands what's happening at the PEDA site."

Fillio said the PEDA board had to be more open-minded about possibilities, and earlier in the forum had suggested a multi-use stadium. "All they're looking at is one thing; they're looking at as just business, business, business, when there are some other things we can do." Fillio claimed some other concerns had approached PEDA but were turned down. He also said the city had to do more for the businesses already here, such as licensing. "As mayor I'd be right on top of that."

Walto had a more flamboyant vision, calling it an "opportunity to build the best, the brightest, the greenest building the city has ever seen" on the former GE site. She said the city should set an architectural competition to design a building for the William Stanley Business Park, based on the city's historic, industrial and innovative heritage.

"We need to be forward thinking, we need to make sure we design the best building," she said. "This could be the linchpin and be part of the economic development of the city once again."

Nichols said it was important to get out the message that PEDA was established to ensure the city and GE weren't held liable for the any contamination, and that brownfields legislation extended that to any companies building on the site. "As mayor, I feel it would be my position to talk to investors in explaining to them about the brownfields legislation and how they're safe to invest there," he said, adding he would also stop PEDA from contracting with outside marketing firms.

"We would be much better served for them to manage the site and have the mayor of this city, and anyone else who wants to help, to bring clients in," Nichols said.

All five said they would fill the city solicitor's spot, left vacant over the past several years as a supposed cost-cutting measure, as well as fill the higher-level posts including a director of personnel. Marchetti went a bit further, saying he would dispense with political appointments and put the personnel director in charge of most hiring and firing.

They all also agreed they were not in favor of making acting appointments, including to head the fire and police departments, as Ruberto has done.

Nichols called it "some kind of control mechanism for the mayor" while Walto dropped the quip it was all because of "the Ruberto administration's renaissance and the arts — everybody's in drama in the city now and that's why they're all acting." 

Bianchi said it might not be easy to fill the spots because of Civil Service rules, but "I don't think our goal should be acting chiefs but permanent chiefs." Marchetti pledged to push for permanent posts "to guarantee continuity in the deparments."

They also supported two high schools and better maintenance and upgrading of the Crosby, Conte and Morningside elementary schools that were left out of the last round of school renovations.

In opening statements, the candidates had touted their backgrounds and experience in demonstrating their capabilities to take on the duties of a mayor.

Walto (Berkshire BackRoad Tour Co.), Nichols (The Cove Bakery) and Fillio (construction work) noted their experience as small-business owners and entrepreneurs. Bianchi (former city director of administration and finance) and Marchetti (compliance officer at Pittsfield Co-operative Bank) also talked of their business and financial backgrounds as well as their strong involvement in muliple civic and community organizations.  

Fillio said his concern was the city's youth: "They literally have nothing to do but roam around the city and get in trouble."

Walto said she was the right candidate with "the strength of a man but the caring of a woman."

Nichols informed the audience he had "no party affiliation and no political baggage my only loyalty is to the people of Pittsfield."

Bianchi spoke of his family giving him "core values and traits that I think I could bring to the table and I think they would match up very well with the values of the people of Pittsfield."

Not to be outdone, Marchetti said he had "a great love for the city" and would listen to the people, and told Bianchi, "I, too share your family values."

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The so-far low key campaign of mayoral challenger Ronald Boucher shifted into high gear on Wednesday night as he came out swinging against the incumbent.

Boucher, a six-term councilor, described North Adams as headed in the wrong direction and floundering because of Mayor Richard Alcombright's lack of leadership and careless handling of finances.

"As mayor I will bring transparency and responsibility to city government and the taxpayers will know the true financial condition of this city," said Boucher to an enthusiastic crowd of about 100 at the American Legion for his campaign kickoff. "Mayor Alcombright has not been transparent and has done everything possible to hide the true financial condition of this city."

The council president took particular aim at the failed $1.2 million Proposition 2 1/2 override and the mayor's contention at a series of public meetings that it would have dire consequences on the city's schools and services. 

"He predicted devastation would happen to the school system and the city if the override should fail," said Boucher, adding "schoolchildren were encourage to stand on the street" holding signs in support. "The devastation the mayor said would happen did not happen ... and we wonder why people do not trust their elected officials."

A number of his statements garnered applause; a few of his supporters were decked in bright red T-shirts with his campaign slogan "Back to Basics."

He claimed the current administration had sought an override to cover $700,000 in union raises and that the school system had been sitting on $1.1 million in available funds. A sewer fee that was supposed to go into an enterprise fund was also being used for pay raises, he said.

The 54-year-old Boucher continued on the attack, saying Alcombright had promised jobs but produced none, watched businesses leave and the hospital fall into bankruptcy, and failed to cultivate the Beacon Hill contacts that would have garnered the city some of the economic development money targeted last month to Adams and Pittsfield.

Boucher said "benches, pocketparks and painted crosswalks" don't add up to economic growth and took Alcombright to task for describing the city's financial condition as "just a little below horrible" in a recent story in The Boston Globe.

"The job of a mayor is to sell and promote the city in a way that will bring people here and not keep them away ... why would anybody consider coming to North Adams after reading the mayor's comments?" he asked. "A true leader should challenge negative portrayals of their city."

Boucher said he would move to establish a for-profit foundation to leverage $2 million in tax credits "awarded the prior administration" to create a Monument Square Business Center that would include the vacant churches and Conte Middle School. Boucher, who had appeared to support a two-school project last month, said decisively on Wednesday that Conte should not be renovated for use as a school because it would limit the area's potential.

He did not offer a position on the school project, which currently is to renovate Conte and construct a new Greylock School.

He also pledged to forge contacts in Boston and aggressively pursue businesses and move forward with the Mohawk Theater project. He envisioned a "resurgent downtown" that could include a longtime favorite of the Barrett administration - a boutique hotel on Eagle Street.

"I will not be passing out pay raises while cutting programs nor will I raise taxes to fund contracts," he vowed. "As your mayor, I will surround myself with the best and brightest people ... I will not tolerate any appareance of conflicts of interest in my administration; transparency will not be just talked about, it will be practiced."

Boucher's challenge is already late in the campaign season; a preliminary between he, fellow challenger Robert Martelle and Alcombright is in two weeks.

While most challengers start early (Alcombright kicked off his campaign against John Barrett III in April 2009), Boucher said he's not worried, nor was he disappointed at the turnout.

"We started our work way before tonight. We've been at it for about two months almost," he said. "We've been making lots of phone calls, we've been identifying the vote, we've been having a lot of meetings ...

"We're ready to roll."

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Robert Martelle got angry over some of things said at the recent Proposition 2 1/2 information meetings about raising property taxes. Instead of just stewing over it, he decided to run for mayor.

"I'm doing this to stir things up," said the 54-year-old homeowner on Monday. "People can't take it. They can't take the taxes."

That's what he heard when he stood outside Big Y getting signatures on his nomination papers, voter after voter telling him that taxes are too high. He got 75 names in an hour and a half.

Martelle, who has worked at Berkshire Anodizing and its predecessor, Modern Aluminum Anodizing, for 20 years, said the city needs someone who'll look for more revenue and bring in better jobs.

"We need jobs here, well-paying jobs," said the Clarksburg native. "You've got to have 21st century jobs."

He suggested recruiting complementary manufacturing, such as a solar panel producer who could use aluminum from his own place of business.

Martelle also suggested more regionalized purchasing cooperatives to bring down costs of such materials as fuel, salt and asphalt. He'd also like to see more exploration of alternative energy options.

"The landfill is full of methane gas that should be looked at," he said. "It's just sitting there."

He doesn't think voters will pass a Prop 2 1/2 debt exclusion for two new schools but had no answer at the moment for what the school system could do and is still researching the subject.

He has little use for Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, which he says has siphoned stores away from Main Street rather than sparking new businesses. He'd also like to see ways to get revenue out of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, such as charging a street use fee.

Despite running for mayor, Martelle thinks it might be good to get rid of the position and move to a town manager system because of the drop in population. "We're not a city anymore," he said.

Martelle is married and has lived in North Adams for more than 30 years. He attended Drury High and McCann Technical schools but graduated from "the school of hard knocks and the college of common sense."

He will face off against incumbent Richard Alcombright and challenger Ronald A. Boucher in a preliminary election on Sept. 27. The two highest vote-getters will move to the general election in November.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Citing the need to return "Back to Basics," Ronald Boucher will announce his candidacy for mayor on Sept. 14 at the American Legion in North Adams beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free to the public.

Boucher is six-term city councilor and is currently president.

"Having been a lifelong resident of North Adams, I am very concerned for the city's future. I believe I can bring the fiscal discipline required in these challenging economic times, in addition to bringing the leadership qualities to make the tough decisions," he said in a statement. "Also, my experience in the business industry will allow me to be more of a 'hands on' mayor, and assist in developing relationships and inducements with potential businesses looking to expand or move to North Adams."

"In the upcoming weeks, my campaign will be releasing specific proposals in regards to growing the local economy, and protecting critical city services, without the need to increase the burden on taxpayers. I would like to invite the public to the American Legion on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. to further discuss my ideas for the future of North Adams."

The preliminary election is Tuesday, Sept. 27; election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. 

You can learn more about Ron Boucher and his campaign by visiting www.VoteBoucher2011.com.  Inquiries can be mailed to VoteBoucher2011@yahoo.com.

For more information, contact Bob Moulton at 413-441-3067.