Keane Halts Run for Pittsfield City Council

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Keane said unforeseen circumstances led to his decision to withdraw from the race for the Ward 5 seat.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Billy Keane is dropping out of the race for Ward 5 City Council.
 
Keane received enough nomination signatures to have his name on the ballot. However, he said "unforeseen circumstances related to a tough situation my family is currently experiencing" has led him to halt his campaign.
 
"I am going to need to relinquish my candidacy for Ward Councilor. In my world view, family needs to come first, and therefore I know that though this is a difficult decision, it is also the right one," Keane wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. 
 
"I look forward to continuing to work diligently towards the bright and successful future that Pittsfield deserves in my capacities as an engaged citizen, a civically minded musician, and a director for the Board of Realtors (we have a few other projects we are currently working on, beyond the $15,000 grant we were able to secure and provide to Tyler Street's recent Better Block initiative. More news to come) along with any other opportunities that may present themselves."
 
Keane said he planned to announce his withdrawal through numerous outlets so there is no confusion when voters got to the polls. Keane said the circumstances were "certainly not expected." 
 
The musician and real estate broker was looking to challenge incumbent Donna Todd Rivers for the seat. His goals were to help small businesses and build on the arts and culture economy. 
 
Rivers won the seat in 2015 by just 12 votes over Richard Scapin and a recount was needed to confirm the victory. She succeeded former Councilor Jonathan Lothrop, who opted not to run for re-election.
 
No other candidates sought the seat, leaving Rivers now essentially running unopposed — though Keane's name is still on the ballot.

Tags: election 2017,   Pittsfield city council ,   


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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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