Pittsfield Commissioner Receives Latino Excellence Award
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's commissioner of public services and utilities has been honored for various contributions to Pittsfield over the last few years.
On Tuesday, Ricardo Morales was recognized in council chambers for receiving the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Latino Excellence Award commemorating Hispanic History Month. The award highlights the heritage and work of Latino leaders, agents of impact, and change-makers who make contributions in legislative districts.
Morales was nominated by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier for his efforts in COVID-19 response, safe street planning, revitalization of main corridors, and participation in other city affairs. He is the first Latino commissioner of public services and utilities in the city.
"I admire the way that you look at the city and try to make it to be a safe and enjoyable place for all," Farley Bouvier said.
Morales was a member of Mayor Linda Tyer's COVID-19 Task Force and created the city's COVID-19 dashboard that was well utilized by the public.
The dashboard provided daily updates on virus trends and used sewage testing to provide an accurate rate of infection. Farley-Bouvier said it impressed her colleagues at the State House, who wanted a similar tool.
Morales also worked with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to create food pickup priority zones.
"Ricardo's achievements here in the city are significant and meaningful," Tyer said.
The commissioner secured Pittsfield's designation as a Complete Streets city, which is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enable safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
Tyer said this led the vision for safer streets for all road users across the city. These efforts have brought parklets and bike infrastructure to the downtown and beyond.
Morales participated in the revitalization of Tyler Street and played a significant role in overseeing wastewater treatment plant improvements for the cleanliness of Pittsfield and downstream waterways.
"Ricardo has co-chaired the Berkshire Leadership program for the past three years, fostering local leadership," Tyer added. "He is an active member on numerous boards and advisory committees and he was selected to participate in the National Public Works Summit as one of only 50 public works directors from across the country."
Farley-Bouvier reflected on her work with Morales on the multi-year Holmes Road bridge completion. She cited the frustrations, the delays, and working together with neighbors throughout the process.
"You took a personal approach to that," she said. "And I noticed that right away and have so much appreciation."
Morales and his family traveled to the State House on Thursday for a celebration but the Farley-Bouvier wanted to issue a citation from the House of Representatives in Pittsfield beforehand. Tyer also issued a proclamation.
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