Berkshire Republicans Name New Chairman
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At a recent meeting of the BCRA board of directors, James Bashour of Great Barrington, chairman the past three years, announced that he was stepping down because of an upswing in his business and travel schedule.
Bashour was applauded for having done so much during his tenure to increase the association's membership, create a newsletter and to help introduce "OutFrontTV," a television program that is broadcast on local cable-access channels in Berkshire County.
He and the association were commended by Massachusetts Republican Party headquarters in Boston for producing the only county or city Republican television show in the state. Bashour will continue as the host of the show and remain on the board of directors.
Bronson is the director of food and beverage at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock. He has been with the Boston Culinary Group for 28 years, and has been responsible for operations of numerous resorts throughout the country.
His political experiences include campaigning for President George W. Bush, U.S. House candidate Steve Pierce of Massachusetts and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and other Republicans in Pennsylvania. One of his latest efforts is co-founding the Berkshire Conservatives.
Bronson lives in Pittsfield with his wife Lynne and two daughters.
The board also elected attorney John R. Cowie Jr. of Adams as a new member. Cowie is a longtime activist in local political affairs and is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group.
Thom Swift of Lee, who has served on the board for many years and as chairman of the Finance Committee, was added to the BCRA Advisory Council.
Nabih Nejaime of Stockbridge was appointed the new Finance chairman. He is a veteran board member and past chairman.
Also elected to the Advisory Council was Robert Scerbo of Williamstown, a three-year member of the board. David Bubriski of Pittsfield, co-director of "OutFrontTV," was appointed as Publicity and Communications chairman. Re-appointed as chairmen of the other standing committees are Kathy Mickle of Dalton, Programs and Events, and Jody Decker of Lee, Membership.
Kristine Decker of Lee was re-elected as treasurer and Peter C. Giftos remains executive director.
