It’s official: there will be a rematch for mayor in North Adams this fall pitting 18-year incumbent John Barrett III against challenger Paul Babeu.
In 1997, Babeu finished just 353 votes behind Barrett in the general election, with an unusually heavy voter turnout of 75 percent of registered voters casting ballots.
In the primary earlier that year which narrowed the field of three mayoral candidates down to two, Babeu narrowly finished first, coming in ahead of Barrett by just 145 votes.
Babeu, of Willow Street, took out nomination papers last Friday, Aug. 3, just when it looked as if Barrett might not have a challenger for mayor for the first time in his tenure. The Babeu camp turned in the papers yesterday, the last day to do so.
Babeu, 32, who is the executive director of the DeSisto School, located in Stockbridge, will leave his position of 2-1/2 years in order to concentrate on the campaign. His brother, Shaun Babeu, a former city councilor, also is leaving a post at the school to serve as his brother’s campaign manager.
Babeu is a 1992 graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams with a Bachelor’s degree in history/political science. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration graduate program at American International College in Springfield and plans to complete the professional degree in 2002.
Babeu also holds the rank of captain in the Massachusetts National Guard and serves as the company commander for B Company, 181 Engineer Battalion in Florence.
“We came so close four years ago and I will work hard,†said Babeu in a prepared statement. “I ask the voters of North Adams for their support and the opportunity to serve them as their next mayor.â€
Barrett, a resident of Corinth Street, is seeking an unprecedented 10th two-year term as mayor.
In an interview with The Advocate in June, Barrett said that a lot of good things are happening in North Adams, and he would like to stick around to see some of the projects be completed.
“A lot of the new people that have come to the city or area now just don’t understand where North Adams was 18 years ago,†he said. “We weren’t always like this. We weren’t an overnight success story.â€
“I want to make sure that it’s running in place a few years before I leave,†he said of the city’s upturn in recent years. “Once it’s entrenched, it’s got a better chance for success, and that’s what I’m looking at.â€
City Council
There are 13 candidates for nine seats on the North Adams City Council. Eight of the nine incumbents are running this year, with incumbent Keith Bona having announced in advance that he would not be seeking re-election.
The incumbents are Richard J. Alcombright, Clark H. Billings, Michael C. Bloom, Ronald A. Boucher, Gailanne M. Cariddi, Diane M. Gallese-Parsons, Marie Harpin, Alan L. Marden.
Former city councilors Vincent Melito and William E. Donovan, Jr. are running, as are newcomers Brian L. Flagg, Kyle J. Hanlon, and Robert R. Moulton, Jr.
North Adams School Committee
There are three candidates for three seats on the North Adams School Committee. Twenty-three year incumbent Richard B. Bullett did not take out nomination papers, nor did Ellen Kaiser, who has served for 12 years on the committee.
Returning nomination papers were incumbent Heather Putnam, and newcomers Mark P. Moulton and John Hockridge.
The McCann School Committee
There are three candidates for two seats on the McCann School Committee. Incumbent Richard J. Alcombright is running, but not running for re-election is D. Anthony Ponti.
Besides Alcombright, competing for the two available seats are Daniel Perreault and Paul A. Gigliotti.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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