City Council Elects Lamarre to Vacant Seat

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously welcomed David Lamarre to complete the unexpired term of Gailanne Cariddi.

Cariddi resigned two weeks ago after being sworn in as the new state representative for the 1st Berkshire District.

Lamarre, chairman of the License Commission, had missed being elected to the council in 2009 by a recount that boosted Keith Bona ahead of him by a handful of votes.

"It was just a year ago I stood right there at that gate and got the bad news," said Lamarre afterward of the recount. "It feels good though."

Traditionally, the nine-member council has seated the so-called "10th councilor" to fill any vacancies. However, Council President Ronald Boucher had solicited letters of interest from citizens this time.

Boucher said four letters had been submitted: Lamarre's; one from former Councilor Robert M. Moulton Jr. indicating he was no longer interested in being considered; from Ronald Sheldon, who did not provide contact information; and one from Robert Cardimino, who has faithfully attended - and spoken at - council meetings for more than a year.

"I regard this council vacancy as an opportunity to fulfill an obligation to the 2,446 voters who supported my election bid," said Lamarre in his remarks to the council. "I can promise diligence, thoughtfulness, and a steadfast determination to see North Adams progress and our citizens prosper."

Cardimino, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor and council some years ago, urged the councilors to select someone with a different perspective.

"This electon should not be a popularity contest," he told the councilors, "it should be someone who has, and has had, an interest in city government and I have proven over many years and many mayors that I have had that interest.

"It also should be someone who is willing to ask the hard questions, no matter how unpopular."

Lamarre, however, was swiftly nominated and unanimously elected. Cardimino congratulated him but said he planned to ask voters to place him on the council in the coming November election.

The new councilor said he'd adjusted to his loss and had begun pursuing interests of a personal nature outside of his community activity. But when it became apparent Cariddi would be leaving a year into her term to go to the State House, "I really had to think about it; I didn't want to jump the gun," said Lamarre. "Actually, for awhile, I was torn - I had started down this other road but I decided on this and I'm glad I did."

Lamarre said he wants to "get his feet wet" before making any announcements if he'll run to keep the seat: "By the time it comes to take out nomination papers I'll know."

In other business, the council continued into February a change in waste transfer fees and renaming a street for Lue Gim Gong because the subcommittees reviewing them have not been able to meet. It also continued an application from Edward Tripodes to drive a taxi for Cindy Tripodes because he was not in attendance.

Boucher referred to the General Government Committee a change for Rules of Order that would limit audience participation to an open microphone session at the beginning of council meetings. Cardimino, who frequently comments on items during meetings, objected to the change as did Councilor Alan Marden. While the councilors said they were willing to support Boucher's changes, they were concerned that the language was too ambiguous for the council to vote on Tuesday.