PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ty Allan Jackson is running for City Council.
The local businessman and children's author announced his candidacy for an at-large position on John Krol's "Good Morning, Pittsfield" show on Thursday morning. The New York native and author has grown to be a significant figure in the city for his work in promoting literacy among the city's youth. He has also become prominent in the business and social realms.
Jackson is the founder of Big Head Books, which he launched in 2012. His career started in 2009 when he wrote his first book to teach his son about entrepreneurship. The book, "Danny Dollar, Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade," has since taken off and has been particularly notable in the African-American community for its approach toward youth about business and finance. It has been reproduced on a number of mediums since.
He has won citations from former Gov. Deval Patrick, former state Sen. Benjamin Downing, and the state House of Representatives. He was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award and a Berkshire Trendsetter Award.
Most recently, he launched the Read or Else movement focused on shedding light on the issue of illiteracy. The movement tries to instill a love of reading in children while raising awareness of the connection between illiteracy and poverty, incarceration, unemployment, dropout rates, teen pregnancy, poor health, and more.
Jackson says he stands for supporting and promoting small, local businesses and placing a greater emphasis on arts and entertainment.
Jackson's announcement came just two days after Councilor at Large Kathleen Amuso announced she would not be seeking re-election, opening the door for at least one newcomer to the council. He is the only candidate thus far to announce intentions to seek public office.
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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. click for more
Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor.
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Last weekend, LaBeau raced in the Mount Zion Snocross National race in Ironwood, Mich., the first of eight races in the national circuit series.
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Brown hopes to one day work in a lab, feeding their strong interest in scientific research and making a positive difference in the world.
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Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center.
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