 State Rep Candidates Speak at Democratic Committee MeetingThe three Democratic candidates campaigning so far for the Third Berkshire District spoke at a Dalton Democratic Town Committee meeting on Tuesday.  Mass, Vt. Voters Select Presidential Candidates TuesdayEarly voting in Massachusetts opened on Feb. 21 and Secretary of State William Galvin said more than 700,000 voters had requested mail-in ballots within the first week of early voting. As of Monday, more than 50,000 people had voted in person.  Healey, Diehl to Face Off for Governor in NovemberBoth candidates had been the expected victors on Tuesday night: Healey was the only Democrat left in the primary after Sonia Chang-Diaz dropped out last month and Republican Diehl handily beat businessman Chris Doughty.  Shugrue Cruises to Victory in District Attorney PrimaryBut an unhappy electorate voted against giving her another term on Tuesday, boosting defense attorney Timothy Shugrue as the county's top prosecutor.  Bowler Wins Third Term as Berkshire County SheriffBowler walked into the crowded room hugging his family, friends, co-workers, and proud supporters as they shouted "six more years."  Pittsfield Having a Quiet, Rainy Election DayCity Clerk Michele Benjamin reported that as of noon, there was only a 12 percent voter turnout. She hopes to see more votes cast later in the day and that the gloomy weather conditions don't deter too many people.  District Attorney Candidates Meet in Final DebateDistrict Attorney candidates Timothy Shugrue and Andrea Harrington met for a debate at the Mount in Lenox on Tuesday.  Palfrey Drops Out of AG PrimaryIn his statement, he endorsed opponent Andrea Campbell, saying her "devotion to public service is admirable. She will continue the legacy of Maura Healey and be a fighter for justice for all." NAACP Cancels Sheriff, DA DebateOn Tuesday, the district attorney candidates will meet again at a debate sponsored by the Brigades at The Mount in Lenox at 1 p.m.  Barbalunga Seeks Fiscal Stewardship, Equity in Sheriff's OfficeAlf Barbalunga wants to make the Berkshire County sheriff's office is fiscally responsible and equitable.  Q&A: Bowler Thinks Experience Sets Him Apart in Sheriff RaceBowler has served in the position since 2010 and has 37 years of law enforcement experience. Before becoming sheriff, he had spent 24 years working in the Pittsfield Police Department.  State House Candidates Field Questions at Williamstown ForumThe most obvious difference between the two candidates for the 1st Berkshire seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives was the first issue the pair addressed in a Thursday evening forum.  State Rep, DA Candidates Meet in Final ForumsThere are two more forum/debates planned before the Democratic primary on Sept. 6.  Q&A: Mark Hopes to Move from House to SenateAs he campaigns for a seat in the state Senate, Mark works his life experience, which includes time as a lineman for the phone company, into a variety of contexts.  Q&A: Templeton Makes Run for Senate to 'Step Up and Make a Change'As the former owner of a business on Williamstown's Spring Street, the co-author of landmark resolutions passed at its town meeting and a frequent participant from the floor of committee meetings, Huff Templeton is well known in his hometown.  DA Candidates Tout Experience, Results at Primary DebateIncumbent Andrea Harrington touted the systemic changes she's made in the office during her 3 1/2 years in office while challenger Timothy Shugrue stressed his decades of experience on both sides in the courtroom during the sometimes heated debate.  DA Candidates Discuss County Issues in NAACP ForumIncumbent Andrea Harrington and challenger Timothy Shugrue spoke on the role of the district attorney, equity, and drug prosecution during a forum on Wednesday.  State Auditor Candidate Diana DiZoglio Urges PILOT ReformDiana DiZoglio says the state's payment in lieu of taxes program, or PILOT, should be fully funded, especially with the Bay State having a 2023 budget surplus totaling about $3.6 billion.  Lt. Governor Candidate Lesser: Government Needs to Work for PeopleEric Lesser says the next gubernatorial administration needs to focus on the cost of living, affordable child care, affordable housing for people, and transportation because they are all tied together.  Jacobs Looks to Bring Berkshires Representation to Governor's CouncilShe's the only woman running in the Democratic primary, she's the only candidate from Berkshire County and she's the only candidate without a law degree. Those differences, she says, will help her bring a singular perspective to a state body that few voters think about. Attorney General Candidate Quentin Palfrey Talks Progressive IssuesThe event was arranged by local Democrats and drew about 20 people. Palfrey, acting general counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce and a former assistant attorney general, is vying for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. Democratic Primary Will Determine Race for DARobert D. Sullivan Jr., a former assistant district attorney, did not file to run by Tuesday's deadline. Instead, he posted on his campaign Facebook page his decision to withdraw and back Timothy Shugrue. |
