Election 2009: Alcombright Addresses Concerns About His Qualifications

02:37PM / Monday, September 14, 2009Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dick Alcombright addresses his qualifications:

"Dick Alcombright is Too Nice of a Guy to be Mayor."

First, apparently I am 'too nice of a guy' to be mayor. It is rumored that I am not tough enough to do the difficult things and make the difficult decisions required of a mayor. 'Tough' is an interesting word. It can mean harsh and unpleasant or it can mean strong and durable. I believe that many I have worked for and with would probably describe my leadership style as strong and durable. I firmly believe that as we move our community forward, tough in the sense of strong and durable is what our city needs.

There is no doubt that, as your mayor, I can dispense with unpleasantness and still make the tough decisions. In all my years of managing people and performance in both the public and private sector, I have had to make many tough decisions about contracts, personnel and processes. It is important not to discount my strengths just because I can also be a nice guy. I believe many people in this community, and beyond, would prefer to deal with a strong, but professional, respectful, and yes ... nice mayor. One who will be accessible and listen.

Together We Will Succeed

Contact Alcombright at info@AlcombrightForMayor.com, 413-663-5057 or AlcombrightForMayor.com.

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Dick Alcombright for Mayor

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Northern Berkshire United Way: War and Peace

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
09:38PM / Saturday, February 28, 2026

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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