Election 2009: Alcombright Outlines Three Cs Strategy

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Richard Alcombright
This is a submitted release from mayoral candidate Richard Alcombright.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dick Alcombright released his thoughts on Sunday on how to achieve economic development in the city of North Adams by means of "Conversation, Commitment and Consensus."
 
We know the local economy is stagnant and we need to overcome some economic challenges. I believe I can provide the leadership to do so. I also believe that we are at a place in time where we need to engage at all levels to position ourselves for development opportunities. I intend to manage economic development efforts in this way:

1. Conversation: I will assemble a variety of business and civic leaders to engage in community conversations with respect to all segments of economic and growth opportunities.

2. Commitment: We must identify the commitment of any development or growth project to the greater community.  We need to ask what comes next?  What is the greater growth opportunity that any development project provides? And how do we position ourselves to take advantage of that greater opportunity?

3. Consensus: I will establish priorities through a community consensus. As a community, we need to build a plan for our future, one that embraces smart growth, follow the plan and modify it as necessary. I will be asking for input from all who care about the future of North Adams and will welcome any and all ideas.

 
I truly believe that our economic future is dependent on engaging our citizens in the process of growing the city and creating jobs. No single individual can accomplish this task by himself. We need a transparent team environment in North Adams to maximize our strengths.
 
We have a great liberal arts college, a world class museum, a wonderful hospital, abundant natural beauty and an airport in our small City. These five things alone should make us very attractive to business and development as long as we provide an inclusive and collaborative environment. I want to work with our North Berkshire neighbors with the simple, but compelling thought, that what is good for one of us is good for us all.
 
As a banker, I live in a world of black and white, debits and credits, assets and liabilities. But I dream in color. I intend to create a new culture in this fine city in which everyone can dream in color. We need to talk and plan together and realize that we are a community of unlimited human resources.
 
Together we will succeed.
 
For information about Alcombright and his campaign, contact him at info@AlcombrightForMayor.com, 413-663-5057 and AlcombrightForMayor.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Air Quality Alert Issued for Berkshire County

Staff reports
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The state's on an air quality alert through midnight Thursday because of the smoke from wildfires in Canada. 
 
Berkshire residents woke up to smoky, hazy skies and a red glowing sun on Wednesday morning, but with less oppressive heat.  
 
The Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for elevated levels of fine particles (PM2.5). This refers to microscopic airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter — about 30 times smaller than a human hair. These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the size of these particles can cause serious health problems because they can get deep into your lungs and even into bloodstreams. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest risk to health.
 
The air quality statewide is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. These include people with heart or lung disease such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution. 
 
MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. 
 
EPA's air quality index rates levels from "good" at 0-50 and "very unhealthy" from 201 to 300. Residents of Williamstown can track the AQI through PurpleAir, which displays results from monitors in five sections of town.
 
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