Election 2009: Ruberto Receives Strong Endorsements

08:40PM / Saturday, October 31, 2009Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray has joined other key leaders in endorsing Mayor James Ruberto.

During a visit to Pittsfield on Thursday, Oct. 29, Murray said, "Mayor Ruberto has been a strong and effective advocate for the city of Pittsfield and has been a great partner in promoting economic development."

State Rep. Christopher Speranzo also praised Ruberto's teamwork, saying, "Mayor Ruberto works continuously with the state to improve Pittsfield, whether promoting downtown development or securing assistance for our neighborhoods."

"Mayor Ruberto is clearly the best choice to lead Pittsfield during tough times," said Pittsfield City Council President Gerald Lee, adding his endorsement. "We are true partners and I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship."

In October, Ruberto received the support of five former Pittsfield mayors who sponsored a fundraiser for his campaign: Paul Brindle, Ray DelGallo, Evan Dobelle, Gerald Doyle and Ed Reilly.

"I am supporting Mayor Ruberto in his re-election campaign, and I urge the voters of Pittsfield to maintain his steady leadership for their city," said District Attorney David Capeless, whose endorsement was announced earlier in the month.

At the final mayoral debate on Friday, Oct. 30, Ruberto thanked the group of leaders for their support of his candidacy.

"I am so proud to have the endorsements of other key leaders, people who share a vision for a better Pittsfield and a stronger commonwealth," Ruberto said. "Senator Downing and Representative Speranzo are strong advocates for Pittsfield on Beacon Hill, and I am so thankful for their support. I am honored that the lieutenant governor took the time to provide his endorsement during his visit this week. My partnership with President Gerry Lee and the City Council makes everything else possible. And the endorsement of District Attorney Capeless means a lot to me as we have worked so hard together to enhance public safety.

"My track record is all about forming partnerships, and we are all part of the same team that will get us through this difficult economy."

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Williamstown Homeowners Facing 7 Percent Hike in Tax Rate

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
02:03PM / Sunday, August 23, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Property owners will pay nearly a dollar more per $1,000 of assessed value in the current fiscal year under a tax classification proposal that goes to the Select Board on Monday evening.

According to a memo prepared by town Assessor Christopher Lamarre, the FY27 tax rate will be $15.16 per $1,000 of property value, an increase of 96 cents, or 6.8 percent, from the $14.20 per $1,000 property owners paid in the fiscal year that ended on June 30.

The increase is because of a 9.12 percent hike in the levy based on the budget and fiscal articles approved for FY27 at May's annual town meeting.

In FY26, the town collected $21.9 million from property taxes; this year, it needs to collect $24.1 million to pay its bills, a rise of $2.2 million.

That is by far the largest hike in the last 10 years — the period covered by data readily available on the town's website. In FY26, levy grew by 5.8 percent, following an eight-year period where the largest jump was 5.52 percent in 2018.

At the same time, the town continued to see growth rate in the tax base that does not keep up with rising costs. In FY27, "new growth" is pegged at $18.2 million, yielding just $258,004 in new tax revenue — far below the $2.2 million in needed revenue.

The total of taxable property in town in FY27 is $1.6 billion.

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