Barrett Still State’s Longest Serving Mayor

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
Mayor John Barrett III won a 12th term as mayor during a Nov. 8 city election.
North Adams – Mayor John Barrett III won a 12th consecutive two-year term during a Nov. 8 city election and the victory means that Barrett holds his standing as the longest serving mayor in the state. Barrett received 1,968 votes; Smith received 474 votes. Speaking from a celebration held at the Steeples restaurant, Barrett said that the city has a solid mandate and he is looking forward to the next two years. “We have such a special community here,” Barrett said. “I go all over the country speaking about our success story. Sometimes we forget how far we’ve come. We have reinvented ourselves over the past 20 years, and that’s all due to new ideas.” Barrett said that he was confident that he would be reelected, and stepped up his reelection efforts over the past 10 days to counter what he believes was a surge in negativity. “I really wanted to let people know that I respect the office,” Barrett said. “I was concerned because the old, ugly undercurrent was rearing its’ ugly head. I can say that I did not run for office, I stood for office.” Standing for office also means standing by the best interests of the community and that can mean taking strong stands, Barrett said. “Sometimes I get into battles; I got into a battle with Neil Ellis [of the K-mart Plaza property owner First Hartford Realty],” Barrett acknowledged. “But now we are working together. I am sure that things will be happening there [at the plaza property].” Smith was not available for comment following the election. City Council candidate Christopher Tremblay of 57 Harris St. will be the only new face on the council following a January swearing-in ceremony. Tremblay finished ninth with a total of 1,118 votes; council challenger Andrew Etman finished in 10th place with 981 votes. Tremblay said that he appreciates the support of city voters and pledged to work diligently for city residents. “I will work to do my best for the people of North Adams,” Tremblay said during a telephone interview. Incumbents Richard Alcombright, Clark Billings, Michael Bloom, Ronald Boucher, Gailanne Cariddi, Marie Harpin, Alan Marden, and Robert Moulton Jr. were returned to the council. Alcombright generated the most voter support with a five ward total of 2,226 votes. Alcombright was also returned to the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District School Committee; he was unopposed for the school committee seat. The vocational school district school committee governs the Charles H. McCann Technical High School. “I‘m very happy to serve another two years as a city councilor and happy to serve on the McCann school committee,” Alcombright said. He offered words of support and praise to all the city election candidates. “I offer congratulations to all those who ran during this election,” Alcombright said. “It is not an easy thing to do, and I truly hope that they all continue to remain involved in city affairs.” A more detailed election report will be posted at www.iberkshires.com later today. Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.
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Pittsfield Man Sentenced On Multiple Rape, Indecent Assault Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Wednesday, May 15 Douglas Agyeh, age 44 ofPittsfield, pleaded guilty to 23 charges. 
 
Agyeh pleaded guilty to:
  • 5 counts of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person Over 14
  • 9 counts of Rape of a Child with Force
  • 9 counts of Rape of a Child, Aggravated by Age
The Defendant was sentenced to 10 to 12 years for the charges of rape and 3 to 5 years concurrent for the charges of indecent assault and battery. The Defendant will serve his sentence in state prison.
 
According to a report, in 2021 Agyeh was employed at a residential school for youth. Over a period of several weeks Agyeh was responsible for monitoring a student's safety as they (singular) slept.  During this time, he raped the student. In a separate incident, Agyeh was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a student under the guise of helping the student fold their (singular) laundry.
 
The Defendant was originally set to stand trial on January 30, 2023 but fled to Canada in attempt to avoid justice. The Defendant was arrested as he entered Canda. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office worked closely with the United States Department of Justice and Canadian authorities to successfully extradite the Defendant back to Massachusetts. Authorities allege the Defendant was traveling to Canda in an attempt to return to Ghana, Agyeh's native country.
 
The Great Barrington Police Department served as the lead law enforcement agency in the case. The Department of Justice and Canadian law enforcement agencies assisted the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, including the State Police Detective Unit, in the extradition of the Defendant.
 
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as a victim witness advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center played a central role in the investigation. Emily Zoltan was the Multidisciplinary Team Leader in coordinating the law enforcement response.
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