Candidate Forum for Adams Selectmen Set Tuesday

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ADAMS, Mass. — iBerkshires will host a forum for the Board of Selectmen candidates on Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Adams Visitors Center. 
 
All five candidates — Ann M. Bartlett, John Duval, Jerome Simon Socolof, Donald R. Sommer and Mitchell Wisniowski — have indicated they plan to attend. There are two seats open on the Board of Selectmen in the May 6 town election. 
 
The forum will be moderated by iBerkshires Editor Tammy Daniels and recorded for later broadcast on Northern Berkshire Community Television. 
 
The candidates will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves at the beginning of the forum and time to address the audience at its conclusion. Daniels will ask the questions but residents my submit questions or topics of interest they would like addressed to info@iberkshires.com

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Fire District Seeks Legislative Fix for Mandatory Retirement Rule

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — As the Fire District continues to navigate the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters, one thing is clear: legislative action is needed.
 
District voters will see an article on its annual meeting warrant authorizing the district to petition the state general court to enact special legislation for firefighters 65 and older to continue service.
 
Whether this authorization will apply to specific individuals or extend across the entire department remains unclear, pending confirmation of liability coverage for firefighters aged 65 and older.
 
In April, the Fire District questioned the impact of the retirement mandate after four Dalton firefighters, including the interim chief, had to retire. 
 
With Chief John Pansecchi set to retire, First Assistant Engineer David Lennon intends to run for the chief position, while Edward Capeless plans to run for Lennon's current role.
 
However, this mandate would also affect Capeless, so the district would need to seek a home-rule bill to waive the mandated retirement. 
 
The board agreed that seeking a waiver is necessary; however, whether it will apply department-wide or be issued on an individual basis remains uncertain.
 
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