Pittsfield Preliminary Election Ballot Set: Caccamo Takes No. 1 Spot

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
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City Clerk Linda Tyer did a random drawing on Thursday to determine the order of names on the preliminary election ballot.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The ballot order for the preliminary election on Sept. 22 was decided on Thursday with the spin of a box by City Clerk Linda Tyer.

The random drawing determined placement for the 10 mayoral candidates vying for two spots in the general election and the three ward races, also for two spots each in November.

Names were placed in small envelopes and placed in the tumbler; the nine candidates attending the drawing were able drop their own envelopes in. Tyer spun the tumbler in between pulling each name.

Coming up in the first position for the mayoral was Nicholas J. Caccamo, followed by Patricia "Pam" Malumphy, incumbent James M. Ruberto, Mark A. Marciano, Rick E. Moon, Daniel L. Bianchi, Paul Kwasniowski, Stephen A. Fillio, Lisa M. Boyd and Jeffrey W. Ferrin.

In Ward 2, Peter T. White is in the No. 1 spot, followed by Kevin Morandi and incumbent Louis Costi.

In Ward 4, Christopher Connell was the first name drawn, followed by incumbent Michael Ward and Terry Kinnas.

In Ward 7, incumbent Anthony Maffuccio took the top spot, followed by J.D. Hebert, Joseph Nichols and Loren Paduano.


Ward 2 Councilor Louis Costi places his name in the tumbler.
An expected preliminary race in Ward 6 did not emerge after former at-large councilor Jamie R. Williamson pulled her name from contention on Wednesday, a day after names had to be submitted for certification by the city clerk. David W. Murphy Jr. and John M. Krol Jr. will run in the general election. The incumbent, Bianchi, is running for mayor.

In other election news, Jody L. Phillips has abandoned her quest to return to City Hall. The former city clerk left for another position earlier this year; Ruberto appointed Tyer in her place. Phillips submitted nomination papers but on Tuesday, the last day for certification, she decided not submit her signatures and so will not appear on the ballot. Phillips reportedly declined to give reasons for her decision, according to The Berkshire Eagle.

The Pittsfield Gazette in collaboration with other groups is hosting a series of debates and forums. The schedule can be found here.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Faces Two Lawsuits Following ZBA Decisions

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town is facing two lawsuits following recent decisions made during heated Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. 
 
Tension has been high in town surrounding the language of some of its bylaws, specifically the sign and short-term renal bylaws. 
 
One case is following a determination made in January, during which the board voted to uphold the building inspector's finding that the sign attached to Lanesborough Local Country Store's vintage pickup truck violated the town's sign bylaws.
 
The second lawsuit followed the Zoning Board's February decision to uphold a cease-and-desist order against Second Drop Farm for short-term rentals. The board argued that, in the absence of specific bylaw regulations, such rentals are not permitted.
 
Both suits outline several points made by the applicants during their respective meetings. 
 
Lanesborough Local Country Store's lawsuit was filed on behalf of Kurt Hospot, as trustee of Normal K Trust, and store owner Tyler Purdy by attorney Anthony Doyle. 
 
It demands that the board's decision be overturned and that they be allowed to have the advertisement attached to the motor vehicle at its current location. 
 
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