Berkshire Brigades Names Marge Cohan 2008 Campaign Coordinator

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD – Berkshire Brigades, the county Democratic organization, has named Marge Cohan its Campaign Coordinator for the 2008 election.

“We are absolutely delighted that Marge is available to help organize the county in this critical election year,” said Lee Harrison, Berkshire Brigades chairman. “She has the experience, talent, and drive not only to help us organize our local campaign but also to help us send volunteers to neighboring states as we did for John Kerry in 2004.”

Cohan, a 28-year resident of Pittsfield who recently ran for City Council, was CEO of the Brien Center for five years until her retirement last year. She was also a founding member of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. At present, Cohan serves on Pittsfield’s Tourism Committee and other community organizations. She has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree in human relations from New York University.

“I know the power of bringing people together to work on community issues,” said Cohan, “and this experience will be invaluable as we develop an effective grassroots Democratic organization throughout the county in preparation for the November elections.”

Cohan notes that it is not too early to begin organizing for the fall.

“Our success depends on enlisting people from all over the county and finding things they can do that fit into their busy schedules. Whether it’s knocking on doors, making calls, writing letters, or holding house parties, it’s all part of a successful campaign.”

“This is going to be a tough election,” said Cohan, “but together we will win.”

Anyone who wishes to help elect Democrats this fall should call Cohan directly at 413-822-6218, or email her at victory2008@berkshirebrigades.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield ConCom OKs Weed Treatment for Pontoosuc

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pontoosuc Lake will be treated for weeds with a contact herbicide on Thursday, June 17. 

Last week, the Conservation Commission OK'd a request for Diquat treatment on 53 acres of the lake.

"We have four non-native and invasive species, three of which we are controlling with the use of herbicides, and if we didn't do that control, the weeds would take over the lake and the shore," explained Lee Hauge, president of the Friends of Pontoosuc Lake and Lanesborough's harbormaster. 

"All the shorelines would be unusable for swimming and even fishing, and you'd only have the center half of the lake, where you could do any boating or swimming if you could get out there." 

Pittsfield and Lanesborough equally share the management of the lake and associated costs.

Hauge explained that underwater weeds were harvested for almost 20 years, and it was successful in making the lake accessible for swimming and boating, though over the years, he said, the process favored the propagation of Eurasian milfoil, which spreads by fragmentation. 

"And so the result of that 20 years of harvesting control was the lake being choked by Eurasian milfoil, and the native desirable weeds were choked out of being able to grow because of the proliferation of the milfoil," he said. 

The application is for 53 acres, and Pontoosuc will need to be treated again in August. This will require permission from the ConCom. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories