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.

Dalton Elects Incumbents, Write-in for Planning Board

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The last-minute write-in campaigns for Planning Board resulted in higher than normal write-in votes  306  for Monday's election. 
DALTON, Mass. — The unofficial results for the town's annual election indicate that Planning Board registered candidate William Striebel III and write-in candidate Richard Hall have secured the two seats.
 
Some 413 voters cast their ballots at the Senior Center on Monday. There were 82 mail-in ballots.
 
The Planning Board race began with just one candidate for the two available positions, leaving one vacancy initially unfilled, but as Election Day approached, two additional candidates launched write-in campaigns, transforming it into a competitive contest.
 
The Planning Board saw a significant number of write-in votes, totaling 306. Striebel secured 238 votes, Hall 163, and Mary Tresa Devereaux with 133. 
 
Both Hall and Devereaux have been endorsed by the Dalton Clear Air Coalition, of which Hall is a member, and Democratic Town Committee. 
 
Hall decided to run for Planning Board last Monday inspired by the Berkshire Concrete situation wanting to ensure that the company follows the town's zoning bylaws. 
 
"Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to helping the town. It's a privilege being on the Planning Board," he said. 
 
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