Alcombright, Boucher Talk Budget, Basics at Debate
By Tammy Daniels On: 11:22PM / Friday October 21, 2011
Incumbent Richard Alcombright, left, and challenger Ronald Boucher take questions on stage at the MCLA Church Street Center on Friday night. The debate can be heard here.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Spectators hoping for fireworks at Friday night's mayoral debate were likely disappointed as the candidates stuck to their scripts while landing a few light blows on each other.
Challenger Ronald Boucher said the city is not as attractive or lean as it could be and was failing to grow under a visionless leader with poor management. The incumbent, Richard Alcombright, ribbed Boucher for failing to see downtown improvements and thriving businesses or acknowledge the budgets cuts and savings made during his tenure.
The event at Massachusetts College of Liberal Art's Church Street Center was well attended, if not filling quite as many seats as last election's face-off that saw Alcombright elected. This time Boucher, the City Council president, is hoping to topple the incumbent.
The two took turns answering questions posed by North Adams Transcript Editor Michael Foster and Senior Reporter Jennifer Huberdeau. The debate was sponsored by the newspaper and the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Boucher has taken issue in particular with Alcombright's description of the city's finances as "a little less than horrible" as quoted to a Boston Sunday Globe reporter in a story earlier this year.
"The image of a community, I think that plays a very big part in everything. It's how you sell your community outside this area," he said, chastising the mayor for not putting a more positive spin on the city and allowing it to be described as the poorest in the state. "I think that businesss and people outside the area reading that article would get the impression that, hey, 'why would I want to come to North Adams to start a business?' "
Alcombright said he wouldn't apologize for stating facts for describing the city's finances: "We are in horrible financial shape but we're getting better, we're getting better despite many things."
He said the structural deficit he inherited has been reduced through a combination of cuts and savings. "In the FY2010 budget it went $3.2 million to just about $422,000 in two short cycles, so we're getting better," he said, continuing that he'd saved thousands by restructuring debt, cleaning up the health insurance, taking over the city water treatment plant.
Boucher said he didn't believe there was any significant saving from taking over the plant because it hadn't taken into account the pensions and benefits of the workers; Alcombright said those had indeed been part of the savings analysis.
Alcombright said he would continue to look at ways for savings and raising revenue to balance the budget.
"I do not think we can do one without the other, that doesn't mean I'm a tax mogul," he said. "Last year was an anomaly [when the city taxed to the levy and instituted a sewer fee]. This year, we may see taxes go up 3-3 1/2 percent."
While Alcombright said he'd look at raising fees, Boucher responded that he'd already forced the Board of Health to back off a fee hike claiming it would be "political suicide."
Alcombright admitted he had after the new bills had gone out to restaurants and other businesses. He described the fees as doubling and tripling. "They were huge and they were wrong ... and I asked them to roll them back," he said.
"If you're going to empower boards to do their job, let them do their job," retorted Boucher.
Boucher also claimed there was "a lot of fat still there" in city governement and "we need to do more with less." Alcombright got a laugh when he claimed the only fat left in City Hall "is in the mayor's office."
The candidates agreed on a number of items, including supporting the arts, getting tourists downtown from Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts, community policing, and not quite knowing how to capitalize on the new MCLA science building yet.
They continued to differ on long-vacant Mohawk Theater, with Boucher insisting it should be sold to a for-profit venture as a way to generate tax revenue and bring people to the city for concerts, live-streamed events and plays. A for-profit would be able to tap into the $2.5 million historic tax credits available, he said.
Alcombright said he is working on a plan for MCLA to take over management of the theater to use it as a learning lab for its fine and performing arts department as a way to bring students and other into the downtown. His proposal, he said, would cut the estimated $12 million development in half, making the tax credits insignificant.
In a back and forth about the Fire Department, Boucher indicated he'd be open to changing the department's structure from full-time staff to a core staff with paid volunteers.
"There's a presumption out there I'm out to cut the Fire Department," he said. "That's not the truth."
However, he said the city's population had significantly dropped and it was worth looking at options that could be instituted "5 or 7 years down the road."
Alcombright said he remained committed to a fully staffed department because even if the population dropped, the aged buildings, and college, hospital and high-rise remained. He also objected that because the population had shrunk, it didn't mean it wouldn't rise again.
While Alcombright touted the relationships he's built with the local communities and regional organizations like the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Boucher said he'd keep the BRPC at arm's length, claiming it had sunk the Lowe's deal on Curran Highway with onerous environmental demands (a claim also made by the former mayor John Barrett III in a radio interview the day before).
"Lowe's might have been here if they hadn't gotten in the way," said Boucher, adding that recent news the home improvement chain has once again scaled back its store openings means the city will never see one.
Alcombright said he was more convinced it was the low traffic volume and economy that induced Lowe's to step back, not the BRPC. With the Super Walmart coming in, that may change, he said.
"What I'm hearing with a statement like that is 'back to basics' really means back to past practices," said Alcombright, taking a shot at the challenger's campaign motto.
"Again you're a fan of them, I'm not," said Boucher.
The 75-minute debate will be aired on Northern Berkshire Community Television, Channel 17, on Saturday at 5 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Check listings for further airings.
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
A+ to Mayor Alcombright - a great job describing where we are and where we are going. I am not interested in going Back to Basics - whatever that means. Basics in my life would be when I was born during the depression - no thanks I'd rather be where Mayor Alcombright has brought us through these difficult financial times.
The BRPC sunk Lowes?!?! Utter and total political nonsense.
Lowe's sunk Lowe's. A corporate decision was made by the struggling retailer that: 1) all new stores would be built in metropolitan areas with populations of 100,000+; 2) all stores had to be built on Lowe's-owned property; 3) No Home Depot could be within 15 miles of a new store.
Check out Lowe's corporate mission statement from its board for 2008. North Adams met none of that criteria.
Lowe's continues to close underperforming stores and just announced the closure of multiple stores in New England as Lowe's continues to struggle financially.
Boucher is Barrett's fair-haired boy. Barrett's and Boucher's comments about Lowe's are false. A false statement is called a lie.
Wow great job by the challenger. Mayor just repeated same lies as 2 years ago. Anyone remember from 2 years ago the mayor promising an open budget process. Right there on you tube.....and he lied. Plain and simple.
Ron has the right idea about the Mohawk too. Good plan last night and read his release in the paper today. Iberkshires, assumuing you got this release, why will you not publish? Andy/Tammy?
Great job by Council president Boucher, You Won Big Time, More lies by the Mayor no accountably or transparency, a non willingness to work with the citizens, same old Bull.
Well it is out there now and much to my dismay. Lowes is not coming to North Adams. There was a time when they were committed to coming - the lease for the land is even signed. Mind you this all occurred under the past administration. It is now a washed up deal and our weak mayor could have prevented this. Oh but wait - we do have some benches and a small park - that entices businesses to come. Wake up everyone - we have gone so down hill. I’ll bet Lowes goes into Pittsfield – wait does our former mayor not consult and advise with that City. Has he not made vast improvements to Pittsfield and actually received positive results as well as positive public opinion? All of you with your pie in the shy vision for change in North Adams got exactly what you voted for and that is a City on a fast track decline. Enjoy!
I was at the debate last night. Though I like Mr. Boucher, he was like a deer in the headlights during the entire event. No, he did not do a "great job", as a previous poster stated. In fact, I felt very sorry for him as he stammered and paused during most of his remarks.
Mr. Boucher seemed overwhelmed by the entire event, which raised concerns for me. I want our mayor to be strong, informed and confident; traits that I did not see in Mr. Boucher last night.
Alcombright is an honest man. Distortions by the challenger from a context that is two or more years old do not make for lies. Lets not make this campaign nastier.
Wonderful The mayor said he was going to keep doing what he has been. Pushing for overrides higher fees . Well how about the parking fees that you seem to overlook.
And mayor the fat that you said was in the corner office . We hope that will go out with the vote. VOTE RON
Going back? Not an option. Going back to a dictatorial style where people literally lived in fear of saying the wrong thing? No thanks. If I wanted that I guess I'd move to North Korea. Poster below is correct in asking: what does "back to basics" mean, anyway? I'd rather move forward.
Geroges Perhaps the mayor had time review and prepare his answers ?? As far as someone who stammers and pauses , did you ever see the mayor at the city council meetings when asked a question ?? At the last meeting he ran out the door before the open form ?? I guess that is his way of not answering questions. And since when is pausing to think about an answer the wrong thing to do. People who make silly comments like that should do the same. VOTE RON
This is funny. Yes dick is a better speaker. That is all his supporters got apparently. Yes he is more polished. BUT Ron wins on ISSUES. Oh yea remember tgem? The fact Dicks supporters cannot argue the issues is proof Ron won!
2 years ago during the debates (on you tube so don't take my word for it) dick promised open budget meetings with the council and dept heads. These never occurred. Can't hide behind facts.
Very clear to me after the debate that Ron is Not anywhere near mayor material. And as stated already, he sunk himself by even thinking about a volunteer fire dept in our city. Bye....bye....Ron.
Dick said that taxes would go up about 3 to 3 1/2 percent--if the City is at the levy limit--and the levy can only be increased 2 1/2 percent over the previous year's levy---how can he raise taxes 3 or 3 1/2 percent--without an override?
Editor: Your rate can rise as long as you're not raising more than 2.5 percent of the levy. Most towns around here will go up between 5 & 10 percent of their current rate. I Agree (19) - I Disagree (2)
there have been at least 6 OPEN budget meetings in each of the last two years...they are known as meetings of the City Council Finance committee, and were held BEFORE the budget was finalized. Under the previous administration the finance committee would meet to review the budget that the former mayor presented the council, with the exception of his last budget, which went to the entire council on the last business day of the fiscal year
Issues? They both basically agreed on everything with the exception of the fire department, the Mohak theater plan and the School building plan.
The Mayor wants to continue to maintain a full-time fire department while Mr. Boucher wants to replace full-time firefighters with volunteers through attrition.
The Mayor wants to incorporate MCLA into the theater while Mr. Boucher wants to turn it over to a for-profit company.
I really like the idea of integrating the daily college activities into the downtown. Most of the thriving main streets in the surrounding area are the result of heavy daytime foot traffic caused by the college students. If there really is a way of extending the campus downtown it could be a fast fix for the lack of activity on Main Street. The events that everyone hopes to see come from the theater someday could still take place with the help of MoCA. But, to be able to increase the amount of DAILY activity in that area would be a huge boost to the Main Street economy. If you increase the people downtown, the stores and restaurants would follow.
Finally, the Mayor AND Mr. Boucher both prefer the two school plan if approved by the State and approved by the Council and approved by the voters. Ron is pointing out that he doesn't think that support will be there. Maybe so. But neither Mayor would change that process.
I am sure mr Boucher is a fine gentleman and truely does have north adams in his best interest, but if during a debate he is confused and hesitant how can we have confidence that he could handle our city and all the high powered decision making it requires..... I believe Mayor Alcombright was handed a big mess to fix and has done a fine job staying on task in doing so.. Lets continue moving forward we cant afford to go back to basics
Billtowner your wrong as to why Lowes won't be coming to North Adams. The BCRP asked for a complete review of the Lowes deal in North Adams which often delays a project like this up to 12 months. If the closing was not delayed it would have started before the downturn in the economy. This is an old trick anti's use to hold up projects. They did it in Greenfield and they did with Super Walmart deal here in North Adams. Right now Lowes is in negotiations to locate a store in Pittsfield and it will not be far from Home Depot. If Boucher is following Barrett's lead then that is good from what I can determine. I can't vote but from my view the City of North Adams is not better off then it was two years ago. Some may not have liked John Barrett's style but he sure was one heck of a Mayor and he knew how to run a city. We in Pittsfield saw some good things he started which has made a difference for the better.
It was my perception that Mr. Boucher never really stated anything to make me believe he was qualified to be the mayor of our city. We all have thoughts and ideas, but that doesn't mean we would all have the knowledge and expertise to be mayor. He didnt sound professional and his thoughts were very disorganized. Perhaps nerves, who knows...but just didnt seem to sound genuine about his visions. No real emotion and enthusiasm for his feelings about the CITY. Thats my take on it.
Once again, you can not just label something a "fact" or "proof" because you want to. Nothing you have mentioned is fact or proof.
Ron did a terrible job, not because he isn't a polished speaker, but because he has no real ideas or answers if they aren't written down for him. He can't answer on the fly, because he needs Barrett to tell him what to say.
Alcombright has had only 2 year, during which his priority was to focus on dealing with our urgent fiscal problems, first. THANK YOU, Mayor Alcombright, for finally making the difficult choices that will lead our city to real health and prosperity... and, yes, that will take more that 2 years.
I don't know what debate you attended, but all I saw was a very unprepared Boucher, with little clue about any of the issues. Vote Alcombright on November 8th.
Not to get too far off topic, but would a volunteer fire department not mean my homeowners insurance would go up? I know that when I fill out the forms for insurance, I indicate whether or not we have a fulltime fire department. I assume that means I pay less for insurance, and that a volunteer department would mean higher rates.
Yikes! What a terrible performance by Boucher who read through his closing statement as though he couldn't wait to get off the stage. Sounded like he couldn't even remember what it was that he wrote. There might not be any fat left in the budget but Boucher is certainly not afraid to cut into bone if he'd take us down to a volunteer fire dept. Sorry Ron but you'll have to do a lot better than that before people cast their ballots if you want people to think you are ready for the corner office.
Alcombright WAS handed a mess. He inherited a budget that was structurally out of balance unless the brought back its Chapter 90 to pre-recession levels.
John had the chance to soften the blow, but chose to "pay for it later" by raiding the reserves. A financially sound city has around 15% of it's annual budget set aside in reserves. We now have less than 4%.
John played a lot of games to fool the people about the city's financial health, and he made a few really bad bets about about state funding and the health insurance fund. Both of those hurt the city very deeply.
Much of the mess that Alcombright came into was just the economy and the state's reaction to it, but John's actions in 2008 and 2009 made it that much worse.
Anyone who thinks that college kids coming to mohawk will help the downtown is an idiot. It might increase the business at Jack's but that's it
Wouldn't you want a for profit performance center where people with money could come and spend it at restaurants
Ok watching the tape. Yep Ron is very nervous. Who wouldn't be. BOTH he and the mayor were stopped on their opening statements and the mayor was stopped on his first response for time.Ron is not a slick politician. He is an honest down to earth guy
I don't disagree-- BUT you quoted him as saying TAXES-- will not increase more than 3- 3 1/2 %--- not the tax rate--so that's revenue---and the implication of that is higher taxes--not based on the rate---
Some cities and towns throughout the country that have a volunteer fire dept. have homeowners pay an annual fee. If you do not pay, you are not protected, though they will come and watch your house burn, in order to protect the neighbors property that do pay. In this case, if you pay, you are protected, and covered by insurance.
Ok I am going to set the record straight because one or two Alcombright lackeys are postinh here and lying
Here we go. I just started watching my tape of the 5pm viewing. Yes ron is very nervous. Probalby because he is not a slick politician but a regular guy. BOTH went long on their opening statements. Dick was stopped twice for going long on comments and so was Ron. Ron was trying to be clear but yes was nervous, but is right on the issues, which the average person sees.
One thing to note this debate is subdued and BORING. The moderators are no help
Ron is right on schools and called the mayor on his flip flop. He also is right on a for profit for the Mohawk. College kids don't spend money (at least I didn't). The mayor is dead wrong on this model
Keep going. The moderators are death warmed over Wow. They both agreed on the MCLA building (stupid question). Small business, ron wins this issue too. Training people, work with banks, tax incentive packages. Pride. The mayor thinks the downtown is pretty? Are you kidding me. Again with the benches, pocket parks and crosswalks? Really dick? Again Boucher wins on points
Ron sure as heck didn't lose momentum. People see him as a regular guy
who's the better speaker. if thats how the people of this town decide there vote i feel real sorry for this town.and it's future. what will we base our votes on next time . who's the nicest dressed.
Wow Shima is adding people!!! Way to go Dick. And he keeps going back to the stupid plan. The solar plan won't even happen. Ron nailed him on Carr Hardware simply moving. Lots of empty moves. Nice of dick to take credit for Wallmart. Again Ron wins on points. Larger business no answer supposedly some companies have called yea sure. Ron is right about BCRPB lost Lowe's. Facts hurt. Mayor looked stupid insulting back to basics. Ron wins on points again. Nailed him on being a fan of BCRPB.
who\\\'s the better speaker. if thats how the people of this town decide there vote i feel real sorry for this town.and it\\\'s future. what will we base our votes on next time . who\\\'s the nicest dressed.
ron convinced me that he has no clue about what this city really needs. Any one that thinks a volunteer fire department is the way to go is way off base.
More boring questions they agree on. Oh so dick admits to fully supporting artists how nice. Art districts without paying taxes. Are you freaking kidding me.
And closing statements....trust dick are you kidding me? What a joke. Rons closing statement was fine. He was reading fast to get everything in. And we are the POOREST community in the state. We got no extra funds because we had no plan. Ron won on points again.
So again and for record yes Ron was very nervous but on ISSUES, he WON on points. All indisputable FACTS. The 2 or 3 people posting otherwise are liars.
Am I wrong but almost everything the mayor tried to take credit for was the work of our last mayor. Only when Ron pointed that fact out to him did he admit that he was finishing the projects. Another example of forced transparrency. Vote Ron
Simple example of how Ron (and his supporters) just don't get it:
Ron tried to have a "Gotcha" moment in the debate by saying the Carr Hardware development wasn't growth, "They are just moving".
Correct. They are moving from a 1,500 sq/ft store to a 12,000 sq/ft store and ADDING 12 JOBS. Mr. Boucher doesn't even understand that this is a good thing. Doesn't understand that jobs can be created by businesses that are already here growing. Doesn't understand simple economics.
Yes, you are wrong. Alcombright plugged some very big holes left in the budget BY Barrett and has cut over $3 million in spending in 2 years.
@Watching - It is an undisputed fact that you have no idea what the word undisputed or the word fact actually means.
Ron blew a very big chance to make this a competitive race by both his performance and his inability to articulate "the big differences" between him and Dick.
As to the volunteer fire department- what Ron is proposing is usually called a Call Department you
have a minimun professional crew at the station- if there is a fire they get the trucks to the scene and the volunteers (who get an annual stipend AND professional training) are called to the scene---the savings are in the overtime which would normally be paid to the off-duty personnel---this is the type of department that I had in Wilbraham---note that JBIII attempted to institute this a few years ago but the Union wouldn't budge----as for insurance--- that rates would go up without a paid professional department is an urban myth--several years ago I had an insurance agent crunch some numbers---#200,000 house in North Adams-Adams- and Pittsfield and the rates were virtually identical--although I think in Adams if the house were outside the fire district the rates were a bit higher
Editor: I don't think the difference in insurance would be significant but, again, that's a question for homeowners' insurance companies to answer.
I think the real questions are how much the savings would actually be, would those savings be sustainable and would there be enough on-call firefighters to staff. Finding volunteers has been a struggle for many towns. And finally, is this what the community really wants? That's the big question. I Agree (23) - I Disagree (3)
Someone you need to put that glorious Westfield st education to better use. Ron won on the issues. Oooooh 12 new Carr hardware part time jobs. 12 more snadbags won't stop the flood. We need industry, professional companies wanting to come to a business district
Carr Hardware is hiring new employees. They are not just moving, they are expanding to a bigger location with more jobs.
But if you don't think new jobs for a small local business is important enough to be recognized, I guess you are just too good for our city... and obviously not the average person, that is excited by ANY new job opportunities. Still waiting for the manufacturing jobs to come back? Small local businesses aren't important?
Someone You say Dick plugged big holes in the budget by Mayor Barrett ?? So even it that were true then Dick helped make the holes. Wasn't he Given , Given , a seat on the same council that passed the budget ??
Yes Dick did cut spending only because the voters forced him to. Vote Ron
We have a performance center, the Hunter Center. The restaurants and bars are packed on evenings that performances are happening there. We also have a movie theater downtown.
A for profit can come and go as it pleases, and its only motivation is profit. It can just as quickly close up shop and move on to a different community. MCLA is a cornerstone of our city. The college is invested in our community and cares about seeing the downtown thrive.
The real thing that needs to happen is that the tax rate on comercial needs to be lowered ,35 percent when the next tax bill come out .Try to run a small business when yuou have to pay that rate .Also pocket parks and pretty painted cross walks will not bring in jobs. All the rent on main street are freaking high so main street will nto come back until some on can get the rents lowered. [edited for foul language] If all the comercial property owners stoped paying taxes for one 1/4 the city would be done .Maybe eyes should be opened to back to the Basics really means when poeple could afford to live around the city .Not oh no its Barret again .This city is turing into the welfare dump and XXXX do they pay taxes no ,we pay them to suck of the sytem . So back to the basics is get off your XXX and work and learn to live with in your means .
Editor: There's no need for foul language. Spell check would also be appreciated. I Agree (21) - I Disagree (1)
OMG! I went to the debate on friday and was embarassed for Ron. His inability to articulate one thought was maybe due a little to nerves but it was clear that he is not prepared to take on the responsibilty of being mayor.
We need someone who can speak on our behalf in an intelligent manner in order to move forward.
You Alcombright people are truly amazing. Barrett was in office 26 years and balanced the budget every year and never ever had a problem. State never had a problem with him and now two audits later you all and Dickie are still trying to blame him for the incompetance which is now leading this city. Now the clown from the bank who sat on the City Council can't fix the budget problems. You people are crazy!! Alcombright has not cut the the operating budget as it is impossible if you look at the real numbers. There are more cops, more fireman, more in City yard, and $400,000 in salary increase. Just where did he cut the budget? The guy moved things around and has not cut one penny in operating costs. Check it out, and that means the press also. The lies coming out of the corner office are just unbelievable. The cuts in state money came when Barrett was in office and Alcombright has seen very little in lost money from the state. In two budgets you claim he cut 3 million. He raised taxes by 1.4 million, water and sewer increase amount to additional $800,000, used 1.5 millionwe know of in reserves and he is still in the hole. Fuzzy math folks? Now Bona, Maloney(whose was wife was hired by Alcombright),Bond and the like can defend Alcombright till the cows come home but people are quickly catching on to what is happening in City Hall. The guy lost his Assessor,Treasurer, Administrative Officer, Ass't Building Inspector, why. because the guy in the corner office continues with his shell game and they all know it.
I only know the figures that were given to me---BUT it is much easier to move from a full volunteer department to a Call Department than to move down from a full time professional to a Call---the volunteer \"culture\" must be there--to build on---my guess is that the existing staffing would remain---staffing of shifts- vacations- sick days-- BUT as I said the savings would be in the overtime00is that what the community wants?? I have no idea--except that every time this sort of proposal comes up the opponents *read Union) screams insurance rates and lower quality of response---both bogus--scare tactics--so what else is new
If the City had such "urgent Fiscals problems" how does this Mayor and City Council give out $600,000 in pay raises? He spent his two years paying off the unions for their support of two years ago. I suppose if you keep saying something long enough you soon believe it.
Nothing against Boucher, but it seems to me he wants to run this city like a town.(volunteer fire dept) If this city is going to thrive and grow we need strong public safety and new schools. As a parent, i really dont care where my son goes to school as long as he gets a good education. Alcombright is bringing this city where it needs to be, and clearly has a great vision for the future. Open your eyes, vote for Alcombright
with any respect that may be due to the person posting as \"LIES\", barrett hadn\'t balanced a budget in years. He underfunded the medical insurance trust fund,(by $800,000.00 per year for at least the last two years of his term, see the Scanlon report for details), and put that money towards the budget, as well as spending the city\'s reserves...it was all smoke and mirrors
Why are you Bios ? and staging the comments for the Mayor ? early saturday morning around 7:30 A.M. I read the comments, Only one on by Observer, starting with Wow great job by the challenger; then I placed one on saying great job bt council president Ron Boucher, later that day the blog was changed to start with LB saying A+ to mayor Alcombright. not proper at all we know you have the ability to change the comments but don't stage them very bios.
The Future of NA Your son gets a good educatioon. He must be going to the charter school in Adams . Dury is number 298 out of 350 in the state. The mayor wants to spend 60 million for bricks and cement. Wow that will really bring up the test scores. It would seem that a vote for Dick will not help kids. See schooldigger.com. and Vote For Ron
That $600,000 in pay raises is straight from Barrett's lying mouth. First lie is it's not that large. Second, you make it sound like the raises are for one year. When you take the number of employees the city has plus the amount of years it covers it not the big scary number you are trying to prove. I watched the debate. Boucher didn't say anything about NOT giving raises. He accepted all the raises given the past two years. Some of those raises were from Barrett ignoring negotiations leaving unsigned contracts. All those complaining that their social security didn't go up can chill out. They are getting a 3.6% raise in 2012. That's higher than what working city employees are receiving next year when the nation is in debt beyond its imagination. How come when the city was running a $2 million annual deficit before Alcombright was elected you weren't complaining. Is that when JBs favors were worth being quiet?
The real story about Lowe's is this. They were set for construction in the spring/summer of 2009. When the economic downturn hit, it forced Lowe's to curb their expansions nationwide not just in north adams. They had to put all new buildings on hold. They have a 2 year study and if a project doesn't happen in a 2 year window, it starts over again from square 1. They are in the process of starting back up those plans. Now they haven't just closed stores in New England but rather all over the country who are under performing like most companies have. Also if you look at the those locations, there is generally another location not too far away.
Real Wayne you will love this....
A few of my friends and I wrote some letters to the editor last week some were mailed some emailed to the transcript. They never got in....so odd. So in today's blog (see the letters to the editor section at the transcript com) I called them out. Their lame response is the email they post to send items to was "down" last week (although they told no one)...and yet all the dick letters go through. Can you say busted.
time to barrage them with letters of support for Ron and keep track of what gets printed
Forget the Lowe's...what that area needs is an IKEA...The closest to the Berkshires are the stores in Norwood, MA (south of Boston) and New Haven, CT. Anyone that's ever been to an IKEA can vouch for what a draw it is. It'd provide a ton of jobs and also become a huge boost to the local economy. Think of how many people you'd draw from Western/Central MA, VT, and NY and tell me that you'd be better off with another Home Improvement store.
Way to go dick. In two years; you brought in 8 to 12 low paying jobs. Those lucky people will be able to maybe eat spam every night. Know I can see why all your supporters are so worried about education with these types of jobs in the city. We are really moving forword in the city. NOT!!!
It is the way to go if city can not afford to keep the fire department staffed without breaking the city. We the poeple of the city need to take more responsibility for our action and to help our city get though this troubling time. weather it is more volunteering or even compumizing have stay staffed and voluteered.
The fire department ,I would like a job that pays me to sleep at night ,or stand around all day.Why should they get payed to sleep how many of you get to do that.Williamstown does not have a full time department and they have a bigger collage then NA to look out for.Also most of the firemen hold down other jobs , tell me a job that lets you sleep so you are fresh for your day job . No other city department gets to sleep on the job why should they .They could work for the DPW crew plowing or cutting grass the city pays them .So stop and think or just look at the waste in the city .
additup Are you kidding . You are comparing what people on social security make to what city workers make.The adverage social security check I believe is around $1100.00 per. MONTH. I bet even the dog catcher makes twice that on the bridge. I won't even get into the what the police make. You try to live on $ 1100.00 per month even with a 3.6% raise after 2 years. additup
Everyone talks about the budget what about all
the money that is owed to the city from slum lords
Or that the Frieght Yard Pub has not payed rent since the bridge job has been going on ,ask Dick about that one .Also they are sueing the state over the bridge do you think they will pay the city the $100000.00 they have not payed in rent .But every other shop down in the park still pays rent HMMM.So do you think Dick is going to see any of that money if they win the court case NOPE.So Dick open door policy not if so why has this been kept hushed for so long .
You are correct in that they only put up what they want you to know .So maybe we should go to the news channels and have them look into the fact that the papers and I berkshire are trying to fix the election .
Editor: Yes, please tell them. Would you like their contact info? I Agree (14) - I Disagree (0)
I completely agree with chbpod. nothing new & he has the material to back it up. i hope to hear more & soon. for someone who has "no idea", theres definetly a lot of accurate information to agree with
To all those following the Mayoral Race. Here are some true facts as I have done some research.
Boucher even with suffering from the flu, as many people weren't aware of. Listen to his voice, and how raspy it was. talking very slow, and at a low tone trying to keep his voice. Still in the end made several key points, and he held his own sticking to the state of the economy in North Adams. He may not as polished of a speaker as Mr. Alcombright, however overall he is more in touch with the issues at hand. I think we will find as he sticks to the issues facing our City, he will do much better the 2nd time around.
Also, he have said some thing people really didn't want to hear, but they were the truth, and he was totally honest. And up front.
Surrounding communities do just fine having volunteers for fire departments.
Be real, we are no longer a city. Just in name only. And he stated that may not happen for several years to come, and hopefully it will not. We must go in a different direction to stop the current trend which based on numbers is not pretty.
What is the trend, it is nearly an average of 2% higher unemployment in North Adams over the state percentage, and the County. Thats a fact. Check it with the US Department of Labor.
Which leads to a shrinking tax base as North Adams has lost 6.6% of its population over the past decade from 2000 thru 2010. And for those remaining continued higher taxes and fees. That is why we need to create a better tax base, and spend our money more wisely within the city.
I can't even imagine what the current crime in the city. I imagine the crime rate has steady increased over the past few years along with the rise in unemployment, and current economic depression. Remember we are currently the poorest community within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Something certainly must change as we cannot stay on the current path. Mr. Alcombright is a fine gentleman, but not a the person to lead us through these difficult times.
gee Taxes,, it's COLLEGE and I guess maybe next time your house is on fire..why bother sending those fire fighters to your house to help save you..since hell they might just be sleeping and wasting your money! GET a clue!
He worked at Sprague Electric, Boss at Coffee Time Vending that use to be in Adams, Owned his own Coffee business,works for Echo lab (where you purchase cleaning chemicals).
Maybe he should have reschedule the debate if he had the flu instead of spreading his germs around.Everybody knows if you have the flu you are very contagious and should stay at home.
Info I guess that means that he didn't deepend on his daddy for a job. Good for him. We need a mayor that can stand on his own and handle responsibility . VOTE FOR RON
Please look at what the mayors supporters have to say. One seems to worship a cats @@@ and another seems to think that it is FUNNY for someone to be sick. Ron must be telling truth . They can't debate truth so they attack the truth teller.
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.
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State Election
