Election 2009: Building Council Backs Bianchi

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi has received the unanimous endorsement of the Berkshire County Building & Construction Trades Council.

The Berkshire County Building & Construction Trades represents thousands of workers throughout the area and includes members from trades such as electricians, carpenters, laborers, pipe fitters, iron workers, asbestos workers and operating engineers. The union feels that there needs to be a change in the direction of the city and a change in city leadership.

"The working class wants to be involved with city government. We want to be listened to and heard. We just want to be treated fairly and have a seat at the table," said Mike Filpi, treasurer of the Laborers Local 473.

The union cited growing concerns over the development of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority site, fairness and openness in city government, and crime as reasons the city needed a change and why they were endorsing Bianchi.

"I grew up in the city. We used to be able to leave our doors open and not have to worry about a thing, but those times have changed. Pittsfield is a great place to raise a family but the crime these days is changing all of that," said another union member. "Bianchi is a hero of Pittsfield and a voice for the Berkshire County Building Trades. He has what it takes to move Pittsfield forward in the right direction."

Above all else the union feels that Bianchi is a proven leader who has the experience to take Pittsfield in a new direction and make the necessary changes to city government that will make it open, transparent, fair, accountable and inclusive.

For more information on Councilor Bianchi's campaign, visit the Web site at www.votebianchi.com or by call our campaign office at 413-442-2555.

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Dan Bianchi
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield OKs Statement of Interest for Future PHS Repairs

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city will submit a statement of interest to the MSBA for repairs to Pittsfield High School

In three consecutive days this week, the School Building Needs Commission, City Council, and School Committee authorized interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips to submit an SOI for repairs to the almost century-old building. 

Mayor Peter Marchetti explained to councilors that they are asking to take a proactive approach to trying to get PHS into the queue for a future MSBA project. 

"I think I don't need to share with all of you the condition of Pittsfield High School. I think you've probably all been in there and you know the condition of the high school," he said on Tuesday. 

"So we're asking tonight for that first step to be taken, to put us in the queue. We are not asking for any funding request. We are not asking, 'Should we add on to the school? Should we take away from the school?' We are simply looking to get us into the queue, to get us into the eligibility phase, which will take about a year's time, and then hopefully get into the feasibility stage." 

During a special meeting last Monday, the School Building Needs Commission unanimously voted to move forward with a statement of interest. The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved submitting a PHS statement of interest, and that was followed by an affirmative vote from the School Committee on Wednesday. 

Priority areas identified for an SOI to the MSBA Core Program will be for the replacement, renovation, or modernization of the heating system to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs, and replacement or addition to obsolete buildings to provide a full range of programs consistent with state and local requirements. 

This is what the school was found to be most eligible for.  If invited into the program in December, a draft schedule places construction between 2031 and 2033. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories