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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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.
Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.
"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.
"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."
The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.
Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."
"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."
The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.
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