By Andy McKeever On: 10:48PM / Wednesday September 28, 2011
Updated results on Sept. 28: Two ballots that were initially counted as blank — one in Ward 1 and one in Ward 2 — were actually write-in votes for John Barrett III.
Preliminary Election Results
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Total
Richard Alcombright
204
228
157
291
225
1,105
Ronald Boucher
129
162
100
214
146
751
Robert Martelle
31
63
32
52
38
216
Write-in: John Barrett III
10
7
12
10
6
45
Write-in: Other
0
0
2
3
1
6
Blanks
232
252
179
322
219
1,204
Total ballots cast
303
356
241
446
318
1,664
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city's longtime former mayor still has supporters who would like to see him reseated in the corner office.
In Tuesday's preliminary election John Barrett III received 45 write-in votes. Six others received write-in votes but because the totals were fewer than five votes, the names will not be recorded.
The official totals put Richard Alcombright with 1,105 votes and Ronald Boucher with 741 to place them on the mayoral ballot in November. Robert Martelle finished with 216 votes.
However, the ballots had voters have been puzzled. Rather than voting for one person, the ballots asked for voters to vote for "no more than two" candidates, which created 1,204 blank votes. If someone voted for one person, their other vote was considered "blank."
City Clerk Marilyn Gomeau said the voting machines were set and the ballots were written that way because the election sought two candidates. But a number of residents claimed preliminary elections in the past have always asked voters to choose only one.
According to Brian McNiff, a spokesman from Secretary of State William Galvin's office, the city charter would indicate how many candidates to vote for on the preliminary ballot.
Former City Clerk Mary Ann Abuisi, who was clerk during the last preliminary 14 years ago, said preliminary elections have been rare but does not remember ever having voters choose multiple candidates.
In Pittsfield, voters in the preliminary election on Tuesday only picked one candidate. In any case, more than two-thirds voters chose not to select two candidates.
Boucher and Alcombright both submitted their campaign finance reports, detailing receipts and expenditures up to eight days before the election.
As of Sept. 19, Boucher received a total of $1,669 in contributions and spent $666.27. He also received $1,410 worth of in-kind contributions. Alcombright received $7,466 in contributions and spent $5,910.
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Editor: Wasn't here six years ago so can't answer that question. I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)
interesting.....a quick review of boucher's report sounds three warnings to me. 1. the report was submitted one week late. The report was due '8 days before the preliminary election'. 2. in kind contributions totaling $710 from Luigi Petraccione(?) total $710, in spite of the fact the contributions of ANY kind are limited to $500 per year, and a $608 contribution from the Whitneys, although if it was submitted as $304 each, the contribution would be legal. 3. How is Boucher going to balance a $42 million dollar budget, if he can't balance a $3,000 budget?? counting his liabilities, his campaign budget is over $200 in the 'red'.
interesting You ask how Ron will balance the city budget. I can not answer that but I bet he will not tell everyone we are broke an then give out raises to his supporters. I bet he will not ask people living on social security ( fixed income) to sell any assets to pay taxes or ??? I bet he will not insist on an override when it is not needed. We all know what the current mayor will do because of his record so far. So VOTE Ron
First, you might want to learn how to read, Interesting, as Mr. Petraccione's donation is $210, not $710. And yes, the Whitneys names are both listed, which allows them each to donate up to $500. Small local campaigns being in "the red" for a whooping $200 is not uncommon. I find it "interesting" that you're so concerned over something so uninteresting. Want something interesting? Look at Alcombright's listings, where Julia Bowen donates $500. Nice to see that the BART school, which is funded by PUBLIC tax dollars, is trying to influence a campaign. I find that a little "interesting."
Sorry, I read it wrong myself - Petraccione did indeed donate $710, but it was under In-Kind contributions, which means it's not money, and is not limited to the $500 limit, because you're donating a commodity, such as food or t-shirts, etc. Mr. Petraccione donated food, which is allowable under campaign finance law over $500.
email OCPF and ask (as I did) what the limits are for in kind contributions. You will get the same answer I did, which is ANY contribution is limited to $500.00.
In-kind contributions are most definitely limited to $500/yr:
"The use of anything of value by a political committee, other than of those things which are owned by the political committee or for which the political committee has paid the fair market value for the use thereof, shall constitute a contribution in-kind to that political committee by the person or entity which has ownership of the thing of value. Such contributions in-kind are subject to all limitation and disclosure requirements of M.G.L. c. 55. 970 CMR 2.07(3)"
http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/cmr9702.htm
I know this is just a small race in a small city... but the laws must be followed. I'm not sure why the campaign or it's treasurer did not know this.
Resident You say Laws must be followed ? Not true the city can pass a Home Rule and bypass the law just like they will do when they throw out 460 votes. So much for laws. Sick
The cities of Pittsfield and North Adams will hold municipal elections for mayor, city council and school committee in 2015
You may vote absentee: if you will be absent from your town or city on election day, have a physical disability that prevents you from voting at the polls or cannot vote at the polls because to religious beliefs.
State Election
