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Boucher Testing Mayoral Waters
Tammy Daniels
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Councilor Ronald A. Boucher presiding over his first meeting at president in 2009. Boucher is considering a run for mayor. |
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City Council President Ronald Boucher confirmed on Monday that he's "looking into" a run for the Corner Office.
"I've been approached by a lot of people ... a lot of people," said the six-term councilor.
Rumors of Boucher's possible mayoral candidacy have been circling for several weeks but he said on Monday he had not made a decision yet. He did say he had spoken with Mayor Richard Alcombright and told the mayor he would let him know when he made a decision.
Alcombright is finishing his first term as mayor and announced his re-election bid a couple weeks ago. He and Boucher served as councilors for several terms together before Alcombright successfully ran against the state's "dean of mayors," John Barrett III, in 2009.
Along with the change in the Corner Office came several new (or returning) councilors and the election of Boucher for the first time as the council's president.
Boucher has not, at least publicly, differed significantly with Alcombright during the past 16 months.
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| Tags: Boucher, mayor, election |
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| 37 Comments | Add Comment |
I had heard this as well... Never knew what to make of it. His reason for running is that he has been approached by a lot of people? That's just weird. Not once has he disagreed with the Mayor for the past year and a half... what would his platform be? "Just like him but different?" I guess I need to hear his reasoning... right now it seems like, "Because John Barrett wants me to." Eh, Ron... John probably has ulterior motives. | |
| from: North Adams Resident | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (26) - I Disagree (16) | |
If Ron runs I predict he gets 25-29%. Does he know he needs 3000 people and not a handfull of pro barrett voters still holding a grudge. Even they should be weary of Ron's credentials and past business experience which will become public. | |
| from: ESP | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (15) - I Disagree (12) | |
First off, Boucher is not a Barrett supporter. He used to be, but walked from that a few years ago. The most valid point, however, is that while Council President, Boucher has pretty much voted for everything Mayor Alcombright has proposed, including the huge tax increase and the water and sewer bills. Anyone who stands a chance against Alcombright would need to run against those things, and particularly against the override he's proposing. Otherwise, what is there to run against, or for? | |
| from: Doubtful | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (22) - I Disagree (5) | |
I agree with you totally. I never said that Ron was a Barrett supporter... I just know that John is one of the "many people" pushing him to run... My point was that don't trust the wolf in sheep's clothes... his motives may not be as they appear. | |
| from: North Adams Resident | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (12) - I Disagree (6) | |
I think Ron Boucher will make a wonderful Major and really hope he decides to run. | |
| from: positive | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (13) - I Disagree (27) | |
Ron ran a very successful bussiness. He has always worked very hard, I know from past experience hes always went above and beyond. If he does decide to run he has my vote! | |
| from: resident | on: 04-26-2011 |
| I Agree (11) - I Disagree (24) | |
It was Barrett who put our city in this position and Boucher is his errand boy. | |
| from: voter | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (11) - I Disagree (21) | |
Ron has no chance, barrett folks are behind it, jb3 get over it you lost big time | |
| from: former supporter | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (8) - I Disagree (18) | |
Ron is a very attractive guy, but really, really not--well, smart. He has trouble controlling the forum at city council--how could he possibly control the city? Not a bad guy, but, a little too empty for this position. Maybe he should try his hand at modeling or something....but, PLEASE don't try and run the city. | |
| from: Hottie, but C'MON! | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (22) - I Disagree (10) | |
Ron would not make a good mayor. He does not have the skills necessary to run the city. His past business dealings include some skeletons that would be revealed should he run for mayor. Not a smart decision on his part -- don't know who is encouraging him to run, but he should think twice before opening up his life to further public scrutiny. | |
| from: Kathy Plainfield | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (18) - I Disagree (10) | |
"Ron ran a very successful bussiness. " - resident Dear resident, What was the business? Thanks in advance. | |
| from: info please | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (10) - I Disagree (3) | |
Huh... his reasoning for running reminds me of Teddy Kennedy's (RIP) reasoning for running for president in '76... oh wait, he didn't have a real solid reason either. I hope he knows how bad this looks... wanting to run because "people asked him to". Kinda vapid, no? | |
| from: Church Street Resident | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (7) - I Disagree (6) | |
Editor: I would point out he hasn't said he is running. He said people had approached him, which led him to "look into" running. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0) | |
Editor: I understand... it's just that he has been "looking into" running for more than a month now. And his "looking into" has morphed into "lining up support"... all the while not actually having any good reasoning for running. It's just kinda scary. | |
| from: Church Street Resident | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (5) | |
What does his resume look like? There have been allegations of a troubled past. Sometimes the past is just that, the past. We all make mistakes. Still, I hope he doesn't run. It could prove to be embarrassing for him. | |
| from: sparrow | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (14) - I Disagree (6) | |
Church Street is correct. A platform would be interesting to hear from Ron. It is more than obvious that he doesn't have a backbone--or, he agrees with Mayor Alcombright genuinely on each and every vote that comes before him. If he does disagree, he hasn't said anything thus far. The Mayor stood up to Barrett and uncovered a disaster that everyone else was too afraid to confront. Sorry, but, Mr. Boucher may not have been smart enough to even see the trust fund issue--nevermind have the courage to stand up to Barrett. Ron really is a nice guy--but, vapid indeed. | |
| from: Agree | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (11) - I Disagree (9) | |
It's funny how peoples' insecurities come out when they feel threatened. Obviously they know that Boucher is a strong contender for mayor. | |
| from: Boucher for Mayor | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (7) - I Disagree (21) | |
I like having an intelligent mayor. | |
| from: sparrow | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (8) - I Disagree (8) | |
Here's what's curious: iberkshires shut down the comments section completely in a recent story reporting Mayor Alcombright's personal difficulties, yet it allows vague, vicious, undocumented personal smears against Mr. Boucher to fly freely in the comments for this article....hmmmmmm... | |
| from: double standard | on: 04-27-2011 |
| I Agree (21) - I Disagree (6) | |
He is going to run on the debt exclusion override. Look for him to try and exploit the school building issue. | |
| from: Sage | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (4) - I Disagree (3) | |
Hi Rod (or Ron), No. Threatened is truly the last thing anyone feels. This is a source of hilarity and just a minor annoyance. If Boucher feels like entering politics, he has to accept the consequence of that, just like anyone else would. He is opening himself up to serious criticism. If he were qualified, maybe this would be more than a funny sideshow for the next year. Good luck with the "feeling threatened" theory. Ron Boucher is going to get crushed, and everyone knows that--maybe except for his new campaign manager, and himself. | |
| from: Rod | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (6) | |
Ron is not a strong contender for mayor. Ron has been nothing but a yes man since he has been on the city council. He voted yes on all Barrett\'s plans and he is doing the same with Alcombright. I also would like to know what business he ran. | |
| from: voter | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (6) | |
I thought Ron was an Alcombright supporter? He was one of several people who I thought helped get John Barrett ousted? This sort of doesnt make sense to me. Ron supported higher taxes, raising fees and is on board with Mayor Alcombrights school plan? I mean no offense, but I think this is the worst run city council we ever had and I like Ron as a person but its apparent to me that new leadership and maybe a couple new councilors are needed as well. If someone is to run for mayor against Mayor Alcombright, I hope its someone for lower taxes, pro-MANUFACTURING and hazing of deteriated homes/buildings, my vote would go there. | |
| from: Just wondering | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (13) - I Disagree (2) | |
Sick of hearing all the problems of the current administration being blamed on the last. Seems to me that JB may have not had personality of Mayor Alcombright but he did do a good job running the city. Too bad we couldnt have combined the both. NO NEW TAXES, NO NEW FEES PLEASE! Time to start making some cuts in the budget period. It will be tough decisions but maybe this would give me more positive thoughts on the current administration instead of giving everything the police, fire, councilors etc everything they want at the tax payers expense. | |
| from: City | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (19) - I Disagree (4) | |
Tough decisions need to be made. I think the budget has areas that could be cut. What about the Commissioner of public safety? Correct me if I am wrong our population is getting smaller and before the Barrett terms we did not have a commissioner. Why do we need a fire director, police director, and a commissioner? With the tough times how are we going to fund the staff for the new schools? | |
| from: voter | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (4) | |
Editor: The commissioner's position is supposed to be researched to see if it could - or should - be eliminated. A home-rule petition was filed to keep the current commissioner two years beyond retirement to give the city time to do that. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0) | |
These attacks are not against Ron's wife or family. There has been plenty of negative comments on iberkshires about Alcombright as a banker and his management style. If Ron has or may have issues within his family I am sure he would appreciate the same privacy. If it's how he manages business or employment experience that is resume material the voters should know. They are the ones hiring the person. Iberkshires shouldn't allow innuendo and rumors without backed by facts for any candidate. | |
| from: HVD55 | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (3) | |
The above negative comments just makes me realize that it's not a new mayor we need to make this city better, it's the people in it that we need to change. | |
| from: Hello | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (12) - I Disagree (3) | |
The above negative comments makes me realize it's not a new mayor North Adams needs to make this town better, it's the people in it who need to change. | |
| from: Small town | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (12) - I Disagree (3) | |
How unfair! People are so cruel. They always have something negative to say. Poor guy didn't even say he was going to run; give the guy a break. He would probably fool you all and make a great mayor. But, why should a nice guy put himself on the line? There are way too many insenitive people in this town. And another thing, how can anyone say anything about this man without even knowing his intentions? He hasn't even started to campaign nevermind even announce that he's running for mayor. Best of luck, Ron. | |
| from: Optimistic Resident | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (8) - I Disagree (6) | |
Geez - Lets think for a moment why Alcombright ran for Mayor - 1. He was lobbied by Barrett haters who's only agenda was to get rid of the Mayor through the most popular "nice guy" that had a chance to win. 2. THE MONEY !! Now lets look at why Boucher may want to run. 1. Is being lobbied by Alcombright haters because he's the only one left who may have an interest ( besides Cardimino ) in being Mayor. 2. THE MONEY ! See any similarities ? | |
| from: Joesmoe | on: 04-28-2011 |
| I Agree (9) - I Disagree (9) | |
Barrett's "Guy" :( | |
| from: Joe Artisto | on: 04-29-2011 |
| I Agree (5) - I Disagree (6) | |
um... "Joesmoe" you do know that Alcombright took a pretty serious PAY CUT from Vice President of Hoosac Bank to become mayor, right? It's definitely not about the money. | |
| from: the NA Resident | on: 04-29-2011 |
| I Agree (7) - I Disagree (8) | |
Ron Boucher can't control the council meetings, how does he think he can do better as Mayor. | |
| from: friend | on: 04-29-2011 |
| I Agree (7) - I Disagree (5) | |
It is all about money as if Dick gets six years in as Mayor he will receive a $40,000 a year pension from the City plus health insurance for life. Why do you think he tells everyone he will only serve six years, because thats what he needs for his big pay day. He went as far as he could with Hoosac pension and wanted to cash in on City Pension. Yeah with Dick it was all about money. Some of you people just don't get it. Keep raising those taxes Dickie so we can pay for your six year pension grab. | |
| from: Hoosac | on: 04-29-2011 |
| I Agree (5) - I Disagree (5) | |
Editor: By your logic, anybody who serves three terms for mayor is in it for the money. We would assume you level the same criticism on prior mayors. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0) | |
Look at pension law Tammy before you defend your friend Dick. In order to receive a public pension you must have at least 10 years of service. Upon retirement you are eligible to receive the average of your highest three years of salary and along with your age the amount of the pension is determined. After six years as Mayor and 10 years as a less then part time job as councilor he will recieve a lifetime pension of around $40,000! Tammy you make it appear that any Mayor who serves six years gets the same deal which is not true. In this case with Dick Alcombright it is all about the money as six years in office will give him a nice golden parachute. The moral in city hall is so low as this Mayor takes care of his "people" and himself. Long time employees are fearful they will lose their jobs and citizens are worried about being able to stay in their homes because of high taxes. The city continues its downward spiril and the truth is not being told on how bad things really are. | |
| from: pension | on: 05-01-2011 |
| I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0) | |
Editor: I'm not making it appear anything. This is your argument and could apply to any number of councilors if elected mayor. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0) | |
City or state employees making less than $5000 annually do not have their years counted towards a pension. North Adams City councilors make under $3000. The three highest years is part of the calculation for pensions along with how many years served. Someone working six years gets less than ten years. Someone working ten years gets less than twenty. Unless someone is independently wealthy who wouldn't think about the benefits of a pension or salary. If it's all about money then why did Mayor Alcombright stop a $5000 annual bonus stipend Barrett received every year once he got in office? Why did he return the city vehicles Barrett used for personal use. That's $10000 annually he could have pocketed since no one cared Barrett took it every year in office. That's $200,000 we'll never see again. | |
| from: Calc | on: 05-01-2011 |
| I Agree (1) - I Disagree (3) | |
What does this have to do with Barrett? Alcombright recieved credit for all his years as a City Councilor. He is cashing in after the $5000 rule went into effect. Dick didn't get rid of any city vehicles and in fact there are more city vehicles today then ever before. Guess which city employee drives his kid to McCann everyday from Clarksburg? When this Mayor travels he uses a city vehicle and puts in for his expenses. How about the $8000 dollar bonus to his so called "Admistrative Assistant" a job which he created. Keep knocking Barrett about cars and stipends all you want but I never paid a sewer charge before nor did my taxes ever go up 11% in one year. Now we can expect an even greater increase next year. The bottom line is Dick Alcombright will have paid $27,000 into the pension system and will receive $40,000 a year for life. Its all about the money for Dick and we will pay dearly in more ways then one. | |
| from: pension | on: 05-01-2011 |
| I Agree (3) - I Disagree (3) | |
The Barrett Boosters have been sharpening their knives for a long time. | |
| from: Just me | on: 05-02-2011 |
| I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1) | |
