PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After four terms, Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Simonelli will not seek re-election this November.
Simonelli sent an email to his constituents on Thursday announcing his intentions to "retire" from the council.
"I have enjoyed my 7 1/2 years as your city councilor and have met many wonderful people, but now is the right time for me to "retire" (again). I'm not going away. My wife is soon to retire and my 2 grandchildren (ages 9 months and 2 months) will certainly occupy my time. I might even be able to improve my golf game," Simonelli wrote.
The former teacher and coach retired from Pittsfield Public Schools in 2011 and was elected to the City Council later that year, taking office in 2012. He ran unopposed his first two times and fended off challengers in the last two elections.
"Upon retiring in 2011, I decided to run for City Council and represent Ward 7. I stated that my sole objective was to be an independent voice and represent our Ward and the City to the best of my abilities. I believe I have stayed true to my promise," Simonelli wrote to his constituents
Simonelli's announcement is the first move in this year's city election. Simonelli wrote that he opted to release his intentions early to allow for potential candidates to have "plenty of time to think it over and plan ahead."
"I want to thank you for your continued support and understanding these past 7 1/2 years. It has been my privilege and honor to represent you. While we may not have agreed on every issue, please know that I always did what I felt was in the best interest of our Ward and the City of Pittsfield," Simonelli wrote.
"Although I am announcing today, I will continue to devote my time and energy over the next 8 months representing you, as I have for the past 4 terms."
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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.
Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.
The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.
Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.
"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.
"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."
Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly. A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.
It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.
Having fun on April vacation doesn't have to break the bank. From baby animals to recreational activities and crafts, there is an array of free or low-cost family events happening across the county this week. click for more
On Thursday, the panel approved a notice of intent application for the use of EarthTec QZ within a specified treatment area of the lake.
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