BOSTON — The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus' Political Action Committee has released the first round of endorsements for 19 women seeking election in municipal races across the state of Massachusetts. 

 

Four Pittsfield City Council candidates have earned endorsement: new comers Helen Moon, a candidate for Ward 1, and Dina Giuel in Ward 2; and incubments Donna Todd Rivers in Ward 5 and Melissa Mazzeo for an at-large seat. 

 

These endorsements come as more women are seeking the support of MWPC, both from its PAC and the organization itself, whose mission is to "recruit, train and elect" women to political office. The MWPC has not traditionally endorsed candidates at this municipal level, but chose to do so this year in response to the groundswell of women seeking public office at the grassroots level. 

 

"We are pleased to endorse such terrific women candidates who know that municipal government is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to advocating for the issues women and their families care deeply about," said PAC co-Chair Linnea Walsh. "MWPC PAC-endorsed candidates are highly accomplished in their own right and believe in the goals of political parity."

 

MWPC PAC endorsements have yielded recent successes, with endorsed candidates Cindy Friedman winning the primary race for the 4th Middlesex Senate seat, and Elizabeth Almeida winning her seat in the Westford Board of Selectmen race.

 

Pending candidate certification, a second round of 15 endorsements will be released in August, totaling a record-breaking 34 women endorsed by the organization in a single year. These endorsements include races for School Committee, City Council, Board of Selectman and mayor.