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Linda Tyer chose to launch her campaign from the steps of St. Mary's, a former church complex undergoing a $6 million renovation into market-rate rentals that's been a symbol of the potential rebirth of Tyler Street.
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Former Mayor James Ruberto says Tyer as the leadership the city needs.
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City Council President Peter Marchetti and School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon, to his right, both spoke on behalf of Tyer.

Tyer Racks Up Endorsements for Re-Election Campaign

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Tyer is seeking a second four-year term in November. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Linda Tyer launched the final phase of her re-election campaign from the steps of St. Mary's church on Thursday, backed by a host of current and former elected officials.
 
The mayor is putting the spotlight on the Morningside area as she seeks a second four-year term in the corner office. 
 
Tyer pointed down the street to where her grandmother grew up and said, if elected, she wants to continue the city's "next great renaissance" in Morningside and on Tyler Street.
 
"It takes persistence, it takes a lot of energy, and it takes someone who believes in proving results," former Mayor James Ruberto said in endorsing Tyer. "It takes leadership — and that is what we have in Mayor Tyer — and leadership is what we need to continue to have in the next four years."
 
Ruberto listed some of the city's accomplishments under Tyer's leadership including attracting a Wayfair call center that's bringing 300 jobs and, more recently, Electro Magnetic Applications Inc. to the under-construction Berkshire Innovation Center.
 
He also mentioned the Morningside and Tyler Street area that Tyer targeted as an area in the city to improve — specifically the very property the group was standing on currently being transformed into market-rate housing at an investment of more than $6 million.
 
"It's fitting because it shows Mayor Tyer's vision and transforming this wonderful neighborhood and making it something that is very safe and secure which my parents and many of our parents remember is not an easy task," he said.
 
A number City Council members also stood behind Tyer and Council President Peter Marchetti went through some of Tyer's accomplishments as a councilor and as mayor that saved the city and its employees money. 
 
"I believe that Linda has the qualities that are important to getting the job done," he said. "She is a collaborator, a team player, and someone who knows when to stand her ground and when to compromise to achieve the end goal."
 
School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon also spoke in support of Tyer and said she has watched her grow over the years on the School Committee. She said Tyer understands the issues the schools face and is a champion of the school district and its students.
 
"It is not a time to change," Yon said. "It is time to see that Mayor Tyer gets another four years and continues working for the young people of Pittsfield and the kids who belong to all of us,"
 
Tyer thanked all of those who have endorsed her, including former Mayor Gerald Doyle, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, state Democratic Committee member and former Register of Deeds Mary K. O'Brien and former council Presidents Gerry Lee and Kevin Sherman.
 
"Having all of these amazing people stand with me today just fills my heart because in a 100 different ways each one of these leaders has taught me something, inspired me, and encouraged me to keep going," she said. "So to have them stand with me today is very meaningful and very special."
 
She added that she looks forward to talking about the city's accomplishments and future accomplishments as her campaign gains steam.   
 
"As we move forward through this we are going to talk about all of the things that we have accomplished and where we are going next," she said. "We are going to make the case why we believe that we deserve another term in the mayor's office."
 
Tyer will face off against City Councilor Melissa Mazzeo after both were the top vote-getters in the preliminary election last week. 

Tags: city election,   election 2019,   endorsement,   mayor,   


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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
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