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Gerald M. Lee *
Candidate For City Council - Pittsfield

After his retirement from the police force in 1996, Gerald Lee decided to become more actively involved in government politics. Now seeking his fifth two-year term as a Councilor-at-Large, Lee, 67, plans to continue his work as a voice for the city of Pittsfield.

Lee was a Pittsfield police officer for more than 30 years and ended his tenure at the department as the chief. He graduated from Pittsfield High School and earned an associate's degree from Berkshire Community College. An Army veteran, Lee served his country from 1961-1963.

According to Lee, he views his service on the City Council as a way to give back to the community that fostered his growth.

"Pittsfield has its problems but so does every other city and town in the U.S.," he said. "But the city has turned a corner and we've found people willing to invest in Pittsfield and that should be considered."

Lee said he supports the continued so-called renaissance of the city and the dispursment of General Electric Economic Development Fund dollars to cultural institutions like the Colonial Theatre.

"The city itself did not invest money. The GE Fund was coupled with state and federal funds and grants. Our investment shows that the city is committed to making changes. If we want to restore the city, we have to participate in its growth," Lee said.

As president of the board of directors of Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc., Lee is interested in protecting the community. For him, ensuring the city has a well-trained and professional police force is a priority.

"We have to take are of the people who are here," he said.

According to Lee, residents of the city suffer from misconceptions about how initiatives are funded, how the city budget is allocated and what kinds of businesses are promoted.

"It's our job to help educate them," he said.