Election 2009: Alcombright Reaffirms Goals

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Dick Alcombright
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Richard "Dick" Alcombright is again stating the reasons he's running for mayor of the city.

I am about economic development and bringing good jobs to the city by exploring all sectors of opportunity in collaboration with local, regional, and state resources. I will rebuild relationships with our North Berkshire neighbors and work collaboratively to grow this region. I will work to streamline processes and make North Adams the most business friendly community in Berkshire County. I will work hard to create an attractive and diverse downtown.  I will work with officials at [Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts] and [Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art] to find ways to further connect the dots between those entities and the downtown.

I will only continue the Mohawk Theater project when we have a project committee raising funds and driving a solid business plan with a solid business partner, an effort that will provide significant cultural and financial benefit to our city. I fully support continued growth in the arts and creative economy and recognize its relevance and value in our community. I will foster and insist on inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in our government. I will maintain public safety and public services at levels we have all come to expect.

I love to see people and I love to be seen, residents will have access to their mayor. I will empower our School Committee and administration so they can direct the system, review curriculum and provide a sustainable educational model for the children of this community. I will find ways to address substandard housing and strengthen our neighborhoods. I will have the difficult discussions about poverty and crime and the social issues that result. And I will utilize the energy that is in each and every one of our citizens by engaging a community vision, providing sound leadership, and sharing in our success.

Streets and buildings make a city. Vision, excitement, and inclusiveness make a community. We are truly at a point in time whereby we can change the political culture that has evolved. We are embarking on an election that will determine whether North Adams stays as is or whether North Adams can re-invent itself by capitalizing on the shared vision of all of the residents of this fine city. 

Over the next three months and into the debates, I will continue to focus on issues and solutions, accentuate my qualifications, and work towards gaining your confidence and support.

Together We Will Succeed.

Submitted by the Committee to Elect Alcombright.
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Northern Berkshire United Way: War and Peace

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Northern Berkshire United Way is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Each month, we will take a look back at the agency's milestones over the decades. This first part looks at its successes and challenges during the war years.
 

The Community Chest started the decade on the upswing but ended with a decline in fundraising. A bright spot was its establishment of new agencies to help the citizens of North Adams and Clarksburg. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Community Chest ended its first decade on an upswing, even as the clouds were darkening over Europe.
 
But what goes up, must eventually come down. 
 
The 1940 campaign drive again set a goal of $39,600 and volunteers toted up $23,000 at the first meeting.
 
James Hunter Machine was the first to attain 100 percent enrollment with annual gift of $6.13 per person for a total of $1,275. Some 200 businesses and organizations hit their red feather level of 100 percent, including all of the schools as well as State Teachers College. 
 
The litany of businesses and organizations included long-gone establishments such as Simmons Funeral Home, Spofford Motors, McCann Ice Cream Co., C.H. Cutting, West End Market, Apothecary Hall, Florini's Italian Garden, and Pizzi's, along with still existing enterprises like Whitney's Beverage Shop, Cascade Paper and Mount Williams Greenhouse.
 
The now annual dinner was served by the Ladies Aid Society of First Congregational at the YMCA, and attendees were entertained by singers from the Advent Christian Church, directed by the Rev. Martin Ball and accompanied by his wife on the piano. "Assisting in useful capacities" were YMCA junior members Howard Goodermote, Roy Modlinger, Fred Myers, Norman Remillard, George Grenier, Wallace Konopka and Anthony Pessolano.
 
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