Why are you running again for City Council?

I have served most recently for four years, and I think my service has added a unique voice for citywide issues and local constituent needs. I have been focused on both the legal and spending concerns of the city. (Warren is unopposed.)

What is your relevant experience?

I have been elected to several positions in the city of Pittsfield over the years and have been serving for the last four years as Ward 1 City Councilor. As a result of my community involvement, I have worked with many of the people and organizations that contribute to a better Pittsfield, which allows me to have a beneficial impact.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

As always, constituent service involving public works, ie, roads, snow plowing, and trash removal. Surprisingly, I have found tree issues to be a bigger concern than before. One potential issue that was just announced, so I'm not sure about residents' opinions, is the proposed large battery storage facility in Lanesboro that borders on my ward.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

Economic Development.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Antifa. Obviously joking, but in this day and age, sometimes it's not always so clear. I am a Democrat.

If re-elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Personal contact, which I use a lot, as well as phone and email.

Why are you running for City Council?

This is an opportunity to be a bridge between the people and the powers. There's a magic to the process of bringing the voices in our neighborhood directly to council chambers and being able to affect real change through that representation. There's no higher honor than to be able to represent the neighborhoods where I grew up, and to represent the community that I'm most proud to be a part of.

What is your relevant experience?

Born and raised in Ward 2, I've seen some of the best and worst that this city can do, and have been on both sides on my own journey. I currently work full-time as a recovery coach at the Brien Center in downtown Pittsfield, working directly with individuals to foster hope, connection, and community with individuals who are struggling and need it the most. A wealth of lived experience and community engagement relevant to current-day issues facing our ward.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Infrastructure issues, economic uncertainty, and growing mental health/substance abuse concerns in the community tend to dominate the conversations I have with constituents. I would like to work directly with public works to facilitate aggressive action plans to fill potholes, fix sidewalks, and pave roadways to create safer spaces for pedestrians and vehicles.

To give citizens more direct input in what goes on, we will launch citizen budget workshops and a participatory budgeting pilot for local projects. Dealing with economic uncertainty and an aging population, we will create tax-based incentives and fund matching initiatives for local employers to implement workforce training programs, as well as city and community-funded apprenticeship/trade programs to staff our Public Works (Highway, Water and Sewer, Parks and Recreation) Departments.

We will continue to expand access to mental and behavioral health services, while ensuring wider access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and the implementation of safe injection sites, to direct individuals away from using in public spaces, and to have trained professionals on hand who are equipped to deal with individuals who may be at risk for overdose or infection due to non-sterile use.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

Infrastructure

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

No

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrat

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Constituents can reach out by email, phone, or a contact form on my website, kiki2council.com

Why are you running for City Council?

I’ve dedicated much of my life to service — as a firefighter, EMT, and in leadership roles — and I’m running to bring that same commitment, character, and accountability to my community. I love Pittsfield and believe it has incredible potential, but our neighborhoods often feel overlooked, and too often, policy treats symptoms instead of addressing the true sources of our challenges. I’m running to be a principled, responsive, and driven voice for Ward 2 that listens, communicates clearly, and gives every resident the confidence that their concerns are heard. My priority is to confront hard problems head-on, cut through excuses, and deliver root-level solutions that provide Ward 2 neighbors with the active and decisive leadership they deserve.

What is your relevant experience?

I bring a fresh perspective to our city backed by real leadership experience and success under real stakes. I work as an engineer, where solving complex problems and driving results is the expectation every day. In college, as Clarkson's student president, I navigated competing interests, defended the priorities of my students, and turned ambitious goals into real solutions. I've served as a firefighter and EMT, where responsive, principled, and decisive action was the only way to operate. Across all of these roles, I’ve proven that I don’t fail my responsibilities — I step into them, I lead, and I deliver.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

It's difficult to single out one or even a few issues in Ward 2 without minimizing others. Broadly, the city's slow responses and lack of deeper problem-solving are the most troubling and have allowed many challenges to fester.

Ward 2 faces deteriorating roads, vacant and unattainable housing, and public safety concerns on both main streets and smaller side streets. These issues demand immediate, practical interventions alongside thoughtful, long-term solutions that address their root causes.

If elected, I will tackle these challenges with a dual approach: responding decisively to urgent problems while also addressing the systemic causes that have allowed them to persist. My goal is to deliver real, tangible results for residents today while implementing strategic solutions that ensure lasting improvements for Ward 2.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

If elected, the area I want to address immediately — and I mean truly immediately — is the backlog of concerns from my Ward 2 neighbors that have gone unanswered or unresolved, from untrimmed tree limbs and broken park equipment to cleanup and maintenance issues. My first step will be to reach out to residents experiencing problems to understand: Who have they contacted? What was the city's response? Why has their issue not been resolved? My goal is to eliminate excuses, empower the city leaders responsible for solutions, and drive real, timely action. Many problems can be fixed quickly with the right advocacy, persistence, and coordination — and that is exactly what I plan to deliver.

At the same time, solving these issues will allow me to identify systemic roadblocks and recurring challenges that prevent timely solutions. These insights will shape the bigger picture, long-term solutions, and ensure that Ward 2 not only sees immediate results but sustained, meaningful improvements.

Have you served on a city board or commission?

No

What political party are you affiliated with?

I am running as an independent. My focus is on delivering results for Ward 2, not on advancing a national party agenda or personal ambition. I will work with anyone in City Council to address the real issues facing our community, putting residents' needs ahead of politics or personal gain.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

If elected, I will maintain direct, accessible, and responsive communication with every Ward 2 resident. Every call, email, or message will go straight to my phone, and receive a timely response detailing the actions I am taking. Importantly, I will close the loop and keep constituents informed of progress and results. If a solution fails or is delayed, I will explain why, outline the obstacles, and craft a new approach to ensure the issue is ultimately resolved.

I will continue being visible and accessible in the ward — walking our streets, attending community events, and meeting residents in person to hear and see their concerns firsthand. My goal is for every neighbor to know that their issues are not only heard but acted upon, and that I will persist until real solutions are delivered.

Why are you running again for City Council?

I am running again to be an advocate for my constituents. To be a worthy liaison between the city and its residents. (Wrin is running unopposed.)

What is your relevant experience?

Two years serving as the Ward 3 councilor. I've been a criminal investigator for 18 years and have a great deal of community service experience.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

I think the biggest issue in Ward 3 is the same issue that many neighborhoods face: the residents want reliable, consistent services. They want safe streets and successful schools. All city wards want North Street cleaned up. Additionally, we need to focus on bringing in new businesses.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

I will continue to fight for my constituents and immediately focus on roadwork and making sure our residents are heard.

What political party are you affiliated with?

I am not affiliated with any political party, and currently registered as undecided.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I pride myself on being a reachable and responsive councilor. I will continue to communicate through phone, text, email, and most importantly, face-to-face.

Why are you running again for City Council?

I have a strong sense of civic duty. I believe I can help neighbors, and I want to contribute to the well-being of our city and continue to build relationships with the community to tackle issues such as public safety, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and environmental initiatives to protect our lake, rivers, and streams from climate change.

What is your relevant experience?

Four years on City Council and 20 years serving on committees.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If re-elected, how will you work to address it?

Public safety from speeding traffic. Drainage improvements in low road areas. Affordable housing. Kirvin Park wetland improvements by controlling invasive plants.

If re-elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

Infrastructure improvements, especially to our drinking water distribution systems. Improvements to our road stormwater systems. Start planning for a new police station.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

Yes, see above.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrat

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Phone calls, emails, text messages, and my Ward 4 News page on Facebook.

Why are you running for City Council?

I'm running for re-election because I believe in Pittsfield, in our people, our potential, and the progress we've made together. Serving Ward 5 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Over the past six years, we've strengthened public safety with person on person crime down 30 percent and property damage down 20 percent, we've improved infrastructure with more roads being resurfaced in Ward 5 than anywhere else in the city 6 years straight, we've created coop programs connecting our vocational shops with local advanced manufactures, and we've helped drive over $30 million in private investment across the Ward.

But there's still more work to do. I'm running to continue progress, to ensure Pittsfield remains a place where families can stay, businesses can grow, and opportunity is within reach for everyone.

What is your relevant experience?

I was first elected to the Pittsfield City Council at 26, becoming one of the youngest people ever to serve in our city's history. I currently chair the Community and Economic Development Subcommittee and serve as vice chair to both Ordinances and Rules and Public Works and Utilities. I also represent the Council on the Traffic Commission and on the Homelessness Advisory Committee.

Professionally, I work as a real estate advisor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty and have a background in business operations and management, helping organizations run smarter and more sustainably. My experience gives me a strong foundation in both policy and practical problem-solving, essential for effective local leadership.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Housing costs and economic growth are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Ward 5. Families need attainable options to stay and thrive here, and we must keep attracting private investment that creates good jobs while preserving the character of our neighborhoods. I'll continue to support balanced development, expanding housing options through infill projects, ADUs, and smart zoning updates, while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace. As chair of Community and Economic Development, I'll keep fostering partnerships that grow our tax base, strengthen small businesses, and position Pittsfield for long-term stability.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

Infrastructure remains my top priority. Ward 5 has seen more roadwork completed in the last six years than any other ward, but we can't slow down now. Continued investments in our roads, sidewalks, broadband, and stormwater systems are essential for safety, accessibility, and economic growth. I'll also focus on advancing projects that improve quality of life, from park upgrades to expanding recreational spaces and ensuring neighborhoods remain vibrant and well-connected.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

Yes, I currently serve as the Ward 5 City Councilor and chair of the Community and Economic Development Subcommittee. I'm also vice chair of the Ordinances and Rules and Public Works and Utilities Subcommittees, and serve as the City Council's representative on both the Traffic Commission and the Homelessness Advisory Committee.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democratic Party

If re-elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Staying connected is at the heart of my work. I maintain regular communication through community meetings, door-to-door outreach, phone calls, text messages, social media, and email. I believe accessibility builds trust and that listening is just as important as leading. Whether it's a neighborhood concern or a citywide issue, I make it a point to respond promptly, follow through, and ensure residents always have a voice at the table.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am a relatively new resident of Ward 5, having previously resided in Ward 3. As our children grew and left our home, my wife and I downsized and now reside in the Park Place Condominiums on West Housatonic Street across from Clapp Park. As a part of our daily routine, we often walk the North Street area. I was shocked at how much the downtown area had changed in the three short years since my retirement. My wife and I rarely complete a walk without being asked for money or cigarettes. On one walk, I observed a man urinating in a doorway near North Street and Linden Street. On another occasion, I watched a man getting ready to shoot heroin near South Street and Church Street. I was appalled on a daily basis at the things that I observed firsthand that were occurring in our downtown area. I was tired of sitting on the sidelines and felt that I had no right to complain unless I tried to be a part of the solution. As a result, I felt compelled to run for the position of Ward 5 city councilor.

Over the years, I have watched taxes increase and services decrease in the city. I have watched as city government spending has reached an all-time high. After speaking with many residents in Ward 5, I now know that I am not the only one who has made these observations. I have talked to elderly residents who are legitimately concerned about how they will pay for heating fuel this winter.

My adult son will be graduating from college this coming spring. He has accepted a job in Pittsfield and will be returning "home" after graduation. Pittsfield has been his home for his entire life, and I feel obligated to do my part to ensure that Pittsfield is a "home" worth returning to. A city's downtown area is the heart of the community, and right now, Pittsfield's heart is not healthy. I wish to do my part to restore downtown Pittsfield to what it once was, a vibrant business and shopping district where families can go and congregate, eat, and shop without being harassed or placed in fear.

What is your relevant experience?

I am a retired captain with the Pittsfield Police Department, where I served for 28 years. During my career, I held the positions of patrol officer, drug investigator, patrol sergeant, patrol and detective lieutenant, and finally as the captain assigned as the operational support commander. In my capacity as operational support commander, I was responsible for organizing and planning special events (such as the Fourth of July Parade), special projects, operational oversight of the communications, outreach, and professional standards bureau, liaison to the licensing board, and internal affairs investigations.

During my time with the Police Department, I had the opportunity to truly identify and understand the needs of the community. I've watched the community and its needs change with each passing year. My interactions with the citizens of Pittsfield on a daily basis have provided me with insight that is not afforded to individuals in other professions.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

There are several issues facing Ward 5. The issue that I heard the most about while I have been out in the neighborhoods is the rising property taxes and water/sewer bills. If elected, I would try to address the issue through the implementation of some fiscal responsibility. We can't have residents deciding between taxes, heating fuel, putting food on the table, or filling their prescriptions.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

The issues surrounding our downtown.

Have you served on a city board or commission?

No.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrat

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I will maintain communication with the constituents by social media, telephone, email, or whatever works for the constituents.

Why are you running for City Council?

As a parent and public servant, I am deeply committed to ensuring that Pittsfield is a city where our children can thrive and our parents and grandparents can age comfortably. By investing in our neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces, and by building supportive environments for both young and older residents, we can create a Pittsfield that works for everyone. My goal is simple: to keep moving our city toward a future that is inclusive, safe, and vibrant — where quality of life and community pride go hand in hand.

What is your relevant experience?

As a city councilor, I've built a record of being accessible, accountable, and effective. I listen, I follow through, and I work collaboratively to get results. My approach combines practical problem-solving with a strong commitment to transparency and communication. Beyond my work on the council, my professional background in other municipalities and in state government has strengthened my ability to navigate complex systems and deliver results for Pittsfield residents.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

In my next term, I'll stay reliable and collaborative to address resident needs. I'll continue focusing on economic development that fosters a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown, attracting investment and creating opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.

With this, I remain committed to addressing social and public health issues in our community with compassion and evidence-based approaches. As funding tightens, I will balance fiscal responsibility with quality-of-life priorities, focusing on infrastructure and anti-blight enforcement to ensure equitable attention for all Ward 6 neighborhoods.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

If re-elected, I'll zero in on small but high-impact policy changes where Pittsfield struggles most: how we coordinate major infrastructure projects and how we care for our downtown.

Better coordination means fewer overlapping road closures, clearer communication, and real accountability from utilities and contractors. Residents deserve a city that plans smarter and delivers results.

At the same time, we need to lift up our downtown by supporting businesses while addressing tough conditions humanely and effectively. Clean streets, safe public spaces, and compassionate outreach aren't luxuries- they're what make a city work.

Using precise policy to get these basics right isn't just good governance, it's fiscal responsibility. Especially as state and federal funding shrink, precision matters. Smart, people-first decisions are how we make Pittsfield a place people want to live, work, and spend time.

Have you served on city boards or commissions?

I've proudly served as a city councilor since 2020. Before being elected, I served on the Human Services Advisory Council and the Licensing Board, where I gained valuable insight into how city systems operate and how policy decisions affect residents in their daily lives. That hands-on experience continues to inform my work on the Council every day.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Local races are nonpartisan, and that allows us to focus on solutions, not sides. My commitment is to Pittsfield and to the people I serve, not partisan politics. I am a registered Democrat, and my approach is rooted in collaboration, practicality, and respect for all perspectives that move our city forward.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Communication is the foundation of trust. I'm responsive to phone calls and emails, and I make a point to connect with residents whenever I'm out in the community. I also proactively reach out before major projects (like the West Street redesign) so neighbors are informed before the work begins. I maintain a website (dinalampiasi.com) where residents can sign up for relevant updates, never spam, always information that matters. My goal is to keep residents informed, involved, and confident that their voices are heard.

Why are you running for City Council?

Ward 7 needs strong representation in our city. Someone who returns phone calls and emails, who does their research and homework before council meetings, who brings data and facts to the table and can articulate why and how their vote is decided, and mostly a representative who shows up for her city and her Ward. I believe I am well-qualified for this position.

What is your relevant experience?

I'm a 1992 graduate from Taconic High, a 2013 graduate from MCLA with a BS in biology. I grew up in Ward 7, and I have lived in other states and cities that are facing similar issues to Pittsfield. Right now, I work for the Department of Defense as an engineer. Part of my job is searching for opportunities for efficiency, and sometimes that means scouring budgets and contracts for places where we can make cuts and still provide essential services to our active-duty service members.

I love serving my country and ensuring that our war fighters get what they need when they need it while protecting our taxpaying pockets. I bring my analytical training along with my hard-earned common sense to the table.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Ward 7 needs and deserves an equal share of the city's resources. We have roads that are nearly undrivable, a causeway which serves as vital access to residents for emergency services that is sinking into the water, and bridges out or reduced to one lane. Our parks need attention and to be made safe and accessible for all. The Westside has empty storefronts that could be filled with thriving businesses and boost neighborhood pride. Pontoosuc and Onota lakes need representation at the city level, the weeds are out of control, and zebra mussels remain a constant worry.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

First things first. We need to be safe. If the causeway becomes undrivable, police, fire, and EMS are forced to take detours, and that puts lives at risk. It must be moved to the top of our priority list. From there, I'll be working closely with the city to advocate for our Ward 7 streets to get the care they need. I'll depend on my Ward to guide my priorities day-to-day. It's a big job, and my personal agenda shouldn't be the driving force behind my time spent on the council.

Have you served on a city board or commission?

I served on the Mosquito Advisory Board under Mayor Bianchi's administration. We were tasked with providing his office with a report on the pros and cons of spraying mosquito poison into the air by the Berkshire County Mosquito Project. Sadly, our research was not taken under advisement and BCMP is still funded by the city budget.

What political party are you affiliated with?

City elections are non-partisan. I am not running under any political affiliation or party. This is in compliance with the Hatch Act (which restricts political activity by federal employees.)

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

Email, phone calls, Facebook, any and every way necessary to stay in touch. I'm not picky about the method of communication as long as we are talking about the things that matter to my Ward and my City.

Why are you running for City Council?

I love this city and area and believe changes are still needed to reduce our budget, become fiscally responsible, so we are not taxing our seniors and others out of their homes.

What is your relevant experience?

Worked as a police officer in Pittsfield for 32 years. I served as an at-large city councilor for two years. I have volunteered in multiple city and private cleanups, helping nonprofits.

What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield? If elected, how will you work to address it?

I believe police officers patrolling North Street on a regular basis is something we need implemented to help the businesses, customers, and residents who live on North Street.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

North Street, but I also believe any constituent concern brought to my attention is a priority.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

I served two years as an at-Large city councilor, and I serve on the RSVP board and the Council on Aging board.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I can be reached by at bkkalinowsky@yahoo.com, messenger, or my cell phone 413-329-0397.

Why are you running for City Council?

My son, Jacob Klein, Pittsfield High senior and candidate for School Committee, inspired me to run. I want to bring my experiences and skills to better the community. It's also a wonderful opportunity to participate in civic engagement with my son.

What is your relevant experience?

I am an attorney and have worked/volunteered in non-profits for most of my career. I founded the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, an arts non-profit, when I lived in New York City.

What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield? If elected, how will you work to address it?

In my conversations, the two biggest issues are the challenges the Pittsfield Public Schools face and taxes. I'll dig in and learn by listening to all parties, gathering as much information as possible, and making informed decisions on what is best for the community.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

Supporting the Pittsfield Public Schools and making sure they have the resources and tools they need to thrive.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

No

What political party are you affiliated with?

Unenrolled

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

In-person meet and greets, being available at City Hall, and via email.

Why are you running for City Council?

I have been a dedicated elected official and community leader for over two decades. I want to continue to advocate for the residents of Pittsfield.

What is your relevant experience?

In the last two decades, I have served on the City Council for six years, School Committee for 10 years (six as chair), School Building Needs Commission for nearly 20 years, played an integral role in the new Taconic building, and almost 20 years as a library trustee. I have the institutional knowledge that assists me in making informed decisions.

What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield? If elected, how will you work to address it?

I have always said safety, education, and finances are the biggest issues we face. I still believe they are. But this year, there have been many social issues that we are working on. The unhoused are of utmost importance. City officials, organizations, and community individuals are working together on some resolutions.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

As stated above, I believe the unhoused issue. We all need to work together to address and solve these challenges.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

City Councilor, School Committee, Licensing Board, Library Trustee, and School Building Needs Commission.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrats

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I will continue to serve the needs of the citizens. My email and telephone number are public. I go to many public events and discuss issues and concerns.

Why are you running for re-election to City Council?

I'm running because I want Pittsfield to focus on the basics that matter most to residents: roads, housing, safety, and schools. I've supported policies that make neighborhoods stronger, held departments accountable to the public, and advanced projects that improve daily life across the city. As an at-large councilor, I listen, I show up, and I follow through.

I'm running again to keep doing the work and to make sure city government stays accountable to the people who live here.

What is your relevant experience?

I've served four terms as an at-large city councilor, where I've worked on public safety, housing policy, city budgets, and infrastructure projects. I helped advance the city's body camera program, supported housing and neighborhood protections like short-term rental rules, and backed grant funding that reduced the burden on taxpayers.

Outside of the council, I work as the facilities director at The Mount in Lenox. I manage multimillion-dollar budgets, oversee staff, and direct major capital projects. That experience with planning, accountability, and daily problem-solving directly translates to the work I do on the council.

What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield? If elected, how will you work to address it?

The biggest issues facing Pittsfield are housing, infrastructure, public safety, and reliable city services. Pittsfield continues to face a shortage of affordable housing. Young families, seniors, and working people all feel the pressure as costs rise and options stay limited. At the same time, our infrastructure shows its age. Roads and sidewalks need steady attention, and major systems like water, sewer, and public facilities require long-term investment. These projects are not glamorous, but they are the foundation of a strong city.

Public safety also remains a core concern. Residents need to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and that means supporting police, fire, and emergency services while holding them accountable and making sure they have the tools to do their jobs.

Finally, staffing shortages across city services — from seasonal work to skilled positions — show how fragile basic operations can be. We need stronger recruitment, training, and retention efforts to keep the city running at the level residents expect.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

If re-elected, I will keep the focus on these basics: creating more housing opportunities, repairing and upgrading infrastructure, maintaining safe neighborhoods, and making sure city services are staffed and responsive. These are the building blocks of a city that works for everyone.

Have you served on a city board or commission?

At-large city councilor (2018–present) and current vice president; chair of the Finance, Buildings & Maintenance Committee and Community & Economic Development committees, chair of the Wahconah Park Restoration Committee and member of the Animal Control Commission

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrat

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I will continue to be accessible and responsive. I answer phone calls, emails, and messages directly, and I follow up until issues are addressed. I attend neighborhood meetings, community events, and public hearings so residents can reach me face-to-face. I also keep people informed through council updates, social media. When big decisions are made, I explain my votes and the reasons behind them.

Communication has to be two-way, listening to concerns and then reporting back on progress. My goal is to make sure residents know their voices are heard and their councilor is accountable.

Why are you running for City Council?

I'm running because I want Pittsfield to work better for the people who live here. In my first term, I learned a lot about how our city operates — and where it doesn't. Now I can see exactly where we can make things work smarter and fairer. That means improving communication between city offices and residents, making it easier to build the housing and businesses we actually need, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Pittsfield running.

But it's also about rebuilding trust. Politics can be hard right now, and people feel disconnected. I want to help bring people back together — because when we work together, Pittsfield is stronger and more resilient.

What is your relevant experience?

Pittsfield, Berkshire County, and the Commonwealth are all facing a housing crisis — and I'm the only housing professional running for City Council.

I work as a policy analyst and project manager for Way Finders, a major housing organization in the Pioneer Valley. Every day, I look at the local, state, and federal policies that make it hard to build housing — and I help design the fixes. I've learned what it takes to bring a housing project from concept to lease-up, and I understand what people face at every step, from emergency shelter to buying their first home.

Before that, I spent years right here in Pittsfield leading Working Cities Pittsfield, an initiative of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. I brought together residents, nonprofits, banks, and government to expand opportunity from the ground up. That work taught me how to bridge differences — to explain how systems work, and how to get people with different perspectives moving toward the same goal.

Those experiences make me an effective communicator and a systems thinker — someone who can analyze budgets, advocate for residents, and protect vulnerable people while getting things done. Pittsfield needs leaders who understand how real change happens.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing your ward? If elected, how will you work to address it? (For at large: What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield?)

Housing is at the heart of so many of Pittsfield's challenges. We have too few apartments and homes for sale, and rents are far higher than half our residents can afford. Without safe and affordable housing, we can't attract new businesses or workers for essential jobs, our schools will keep losing enrollment, and we won't have the tax base to maintain our infrastructure. More families face eviction every day, which drives up homelessness and puts more strain on our services.

I'll keep working with our Community Development Department to identify new housing opportunities and make zoning changes that make it easier to build. I'll advocate for more funding for development, and I'll look carefully at every housing proposal to be sure it meets our goals for affordability, accessibility, and neighborhood character. I also want to stabilize residents — by partnering with service providers and supporting efforts like the sale of Lake Onota Village to its renters. Finally, I'll keep pushing for smarter zoning and building regulations so Pittsfield can grow in a way that works for everyone.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

I want to make city systems easier to navigate for residents. That means fixing things that cause unnecessary friction — like providing clear public-facing guidance for making basic housing upgrades like water meter installations, building inspections, and the way we track rental property conditions and ensure they are safe and healthy.

I'm also advocating for funding to rehab dozens of vacant public housing units. Those homes are sitting empty while people wait for housing. Getting them back online is one simple, practical step we can take right now to improve living conditions across Pittsfield.

Have you served on another city board or commission?

Yes. I am currently a councilor at large and chair the Mobile Home Park Rent Control Board.

What political party are you affiliated with?

I am a registered Democrat.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

I stay connected through multiple channels — regular email updates (sign up by emailing me at acosta@cityofpittsfield.org

), Facebook, and TikTok, where I share updates about city issues and explain how things work behind the scenes.

I also host regular constituent meetings across the city, bringing department heads to meet directly with residents. These meetings are open, informal, and focused on listening. You can find details on my social media or in my emails.

Why are you running for City Council?

I will build a bridge between the municipal side of city government and the school district. Our students, staff, and professional educators deserve our respect and support.

I will also advocate for housing solutions and mental health supports in the community. Pittsfield can build on our vibrant theater district (and create jobs) by encouraging restaurants that serve theater-goers. Our neighborhoods also deserve attention. I look forward to working with residents to create plans to promote revitalization and quality of life.

What is your relevant experience?

My past work has involved, among other things, housing and regional planning, district aide in the state Senate, mayor of Pittsfield, four years as a teacher at Reid Middle School, and four years on the Pittsfield School Committee.

What is the biggest issue/issues facing Pittsfield? If elected, how will you work to address it?

When is the last time you have heard a city councilor talk about job creation and economic development? A number of social problems arise from the falling numbers of professional and middle-class families in Pittsfield over the years.

If elected, what is one area that you would like to work on immediately?

I would like to explore job creation and long-term housing efforts that were recommended to the city in 2002 and 2003, but were not pursued by subsequent administrations. These efforts would focus on neighborhoods and longtime residents but could also help transitory and unhoused people.

Have you served as a Pittsfield councilor or on a city board or commission?

Yes. Four years (really six, technically) on the School Committee, including work with the Curriculum Committee, Personnel and Negotiations, and the Policy Subcommittee. I also served on the Middle School Reorganization and Pre-K Initiative leadership committee. I was also the chair of the Mayor's Cable Advisory Board from 2023 to present.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democratic.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with constituents?

My home phone is published, and I can be reached via email. I will continue to attend community events and to seek opportunities to meet constituents face-to-face to listen and learn.