iBerkshiresTV Discusses Domestic Violence, Opioids on Latest Episode

Staff Reports02:34PM / Thursday, August 08, 2019Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — We took on some big issues on the latest episode of iBerkshiresTV.

Benjamin Lamb is one of the founders of a new organization in North County aimed to get men to do their part in curbing domestic violence. Men Initiating Change in North County is bringing men together show role model appropriate behavior and speak up when they see signs of abuse. Editor Tammy Daniels talked with Lamb about the group's founding and goals.

Then we spoke with County Ambulance President Brian Andrews. The data has been showing that overdose deaths are leveling out. But, if you ask first responders, they'll tell you overdoses are not. County Ambulance is looking to become more proactive through a post-overdose intervention program where paramedics and EMTs will reconnect with their patients and coach them with harm reduction techniques and hopefully how to enter recovery.

We end with an in-studio performance of two original songs by local singer Tyra Nurmi.

Enjoy.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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