Election 2009: Bianchi Challenges Ruberto to Debates

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ward 6 City Councilor and mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi announces that he will challenge incumbent Mayor James Ruberto to three debates before the Nov. 3 election.

The three debates that Bianchi has challenged Ruberto to participate in are on Monday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. at Berkshire Community College hosted by the Pittsfield Gazette; on Thursday, Oct. 29, to air on WUPE Radio hosted by Larry Kratka, and a debate hosted by The Berkshire Eagle at a date to be determined and to which Bianchi has agreed to participate.

"These three debates, along with my aggressive campaign schedule, will provide the citizens of Pittsfield with ample opportunity to hear from each of us about our vision for Pittsfield and make their decision on Election Day accordingly," said Bianchi.

If a scheduling conflict arises between Ruberto and the previously scheduled dates for the debates, Bianchi has offered to work with Ruberto to reschedule the debates at a time that is mutually convenient.

"I look forward to a healthy exchange of ideas over the next several weeks of this campaign," he said. "I also look forward to speaking with the citizens about my vision for moving Pittsfield forward and tackling some of the tough issues that our community faces."

Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Dan Bianchi
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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