Bosley Running for Berkshire County Sheriff
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Bosley was one of several names tossed around in the hours following Carmen D. Massimiano Jr.'s unexpected announcement on Wednesday that he would not stand for re-election to another six-year term.
"I'm in," confirmed Bosley, calling from the state of Florida, where he was attending a conference. "I'm very excited about running."
The veteran lawmaker said he'd had every intention of running for a 13th term in the State House: "Then I heard the other day that the sheriff may not be running."
Bosley believes his administrative and policy experience would fit well with the job's demands, and would allow him to return to his roots in a way by focusing on literacy and education.
"It's not just about housing prisoners," he said. "It's about rehabilitation and about recidivism. It's about helping Berkshire County become a better community."
Bosley said he had not discussed the position with Massimiano and had only spoken briefly with him at events over past few months.
He said his decision is not as sudden as it seems because he'd thought about the position over years as attractive and challenging. With Massimiano retiring, Bosley said he'd thought hard about it over a couple days. "This opportunity only comes along every 32 years."
The Democrat's run for sheriff also opens up an opportunity for ambitious North County politicians to seek a State House berth that's been closed for 24 years.
Three years ago, the expectation that Bosley would join Gov. Deval Patrick's administration as an economic adviser had prompted a number of well-known politicians to announce for the seat or at least begin exploring the possibility of a run. Among them were Richard Alcombright, who is beginning his first term as North Adams mayor, and fellow City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi. Margaret Ware, a former Williamstown selectman, and former Adams Selectman Edward MacDonald has also announced interest.
Their hopes were dashed when Bosley turned down the position after he and Patrick disagreed on his role. Since then, Bosley has seen his power within the House shrink after close ally Salvatore DiMasi was forced to resign as speaker because of scandal. New House Speaker Robert DeLeo removed Bosley from his post as House chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies to a vice chairman spot on the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditure and State Assets.
So far, Bosley will face off against veteran Pittsfield Police Detective Thomas N. Bowler. Bowler's spent 23 years on the force; he announced his candidacy on Wednesday, the day before Massimiano announced his retirement.
Former North Adams Mayor John Barrett III and state Rep. Denis E. Guyer, D-Dalton, have stated they are not interested in the job.
Bosley said he plans to call those who have supported him over the years in House to thank them and to drum up support for his run at the sheriff's office. He will make a more formal announcement at a later time.
