Attorney Judith Knight Running for Berkshire District Attorney

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LEE, Mass. — Criminal defense attorney Judith Knight has formally announced her candidacy for Berkshire district attorney. 
 
Knight, a former assistant district attorney, has more than 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system prosecuting cases and defending individuals charged with crimes. 
 
She is an advocate of criminal justice reform promoting alternative sentencing for first-time non-violent offenders by imposing a stint of community service, restorative justice, or inpatient treatment for addicts instead of incarceration. Knight wants to end the school to prison pipeline and is committed to fighting the opioid crisis at all levels. 
 
"The DA of any community has to make tough decisions every day. Having tried numerous criminal cases on both sides of the criminal justice system, I have the depth and experience to make good, sound decisions that will keep our community safe and moving forward," Knight said in a statement. "I will enforce the law to keep dangerous criminals behind bars and I will create a comprehensive community outreach task force whose sole purpose is to stop the revolving door at the jail for low-level drug-related and non-violent crimes."
 
Knight said she is committed to increasing racial diversity in the district attorney’s office. She intends to raise awareness on racial bias and will require every staff person at the DA's office to be trained on implicit racial bias. 
 
"This is how change starts," Knight said. "In order to prevent further racial profiling and discrimination for communities of color, individuals at every level of the criminal justice system must educated about these issues." 
 
She said she has seen firsthand that people who are marginalized in society suffer unfairly in the criminal justice system. 
 
Knight plans to be all-inclusive working with low-income populations, the elderly, LGBTQIA, women and children who are victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. She will be the District Attorney that changes the way the community experiences the criminal justice system; people will know that they are being treated fairly." 
 

Tags: Democratic Party,   district attorney,   election 2018,   primary,   


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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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