image description
After four terms on the City Council, Anthony Simonelli has opted not to seek re-election.

Simonelli Won't Seek Re-election to Pittsfield City Council

iBerkshires StaffPrint Story | Email Story
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."

Tags: city election,   election 2019,   pittsfield_election,   


If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories