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.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MCLA Green Living Seminar to Explore Climate Change Perceptions in the Middle East

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' (MCLA) Green Living Seminar Series continues on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by Dr. Nimah Mazaheri, Professor of Political Science and Dean of Academic Affairs at Tufts University.
 
The presentation, titled "Faith Under Fire: How Religion Shapes Climate Concern in the Middle East," will take place in MCLA's Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
 
The event is free and open to the public.
 
Mazaheri will discuss his research on how religion influences climate change perceptions across the Middle East, a region facing significant environmental challenges including extreme heat, recurring droughts, and water salinization.
 
Drawing from Arab Barometer surveys of 13,700 people across twelve countries, Mazaheri's research reveals unexpected patterns in how Middle Eastern populations view the climate crisis. His findings show that while Muslims tend to be less concerned about climate change compared to Christians in the region, individuals with a strong sense of religiosity across all faiths demonstrate greater concern about environmental threats. The research also uncovers a "culture war" dynamic, with religious Muslims who endorse Islamist government showing less concern than their secular counterparts.
 
Mazaheri's work focuses on the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on how oil wealth shapes politics and economics in the region. His research has been published in leading journals including Comparative Political Studies, World Politics, and World Development.
 
This semester's Green Living Seminar series explores "Nature and Spirituality," a 12-week examination of how faith, religion, and spiritual traditions shape our relationship with the natural world. 
 
All presentations will be recorded as podcasts available at www.mcla.edu/greenliving.
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