Congressman Neal Endorses Bianchi for Mayor

03:25PM / Monday, October 19, 2015Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., had endorsed Daniel Bianchi in his run for a third term as mayor.

"As the people of Pittsfield prepare to go to the polls to vote for mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Dan Bianchi for re-election on Tuesday, Nov. 3," writes Neal. "I've know Dan for several years and consider him to be a good friend. He is an honest and sincere public servant who truly has the best interests of the city of Pittsfield in mind.

"When he was elected mayor in 2011, he said his administration would be open and inclusive, and he has fulfilled that promise. He's been accessible in the neighborhoods, supportive of local businesses, and determined that Pittsfield continue to get its fair share of state and federal resources. As a former mayor, I know how difficult the job can be. But Dan has been a fair and tireless leader who I believe deserves another term.

"Economic development, public safety and education have been his top priorities, and he has made progress on all three fronts. Pittsfield's downtown revival has continued under his watch and a nearly $10 million center for manufacturing and innovation is set to break ground this year. His support of law enforcement is well known, and he is genuinely committed to making Pittsfield a safer place to live, work and raise a family. A new high school is ready for construction that has the potential to be a game changer for the community. In my opinion, Dan Bianchi has a proven record that speaks for itself. And that is why I am enthusiastically supporting his candidacy.

"When voters go to the polls in November, I urge them to vote for Dan Bianchi for mayor. No one works harder for the people of Pittsfield that Dan. He and his wife, Theresa, are a terrific team who care deeply about the city's future. I am forever grateful for their friendship and kindness. And I would like to see Dan continue to serve as your mayor for the next four years."

Tags: #PittsfieldElection, election 2015, endorsement,

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West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes From Pittsfield

Staff Reports 02:51PM / Friday, August 14, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Pittsfield.

The City of Pittsfield has confirmed two isolations at the Pittsfield-Richmond town line on Route 41 and the other at Garland Avenue.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

At the time, there are no confirmed human cases of WNV, but residents are encouraged to take the following actions:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

While the City of Pittsfield and Berkshire County Mosquito Control project continue to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are taking the following actions: larvicide application, conducting targeted education programs, distribution of fact sheets on WNV and on reducing exposure to mosquitos and treating catch basins.

Additional information about WNV and reports on current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

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