Pittsfield Swears in Mayor Peter Marchetti
 |
| The city clerk swears in the new city council. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new administration was welcomed with open arms on Tuesday.
Mayor Peter Marchetti was escorted by councilors into a packed crowd at City Hall to be sworn in along with the City Council, School Committee, and City Clerk.
Over the next four years, the new mayor pledged to fight for current generations while building a city for new generations.
"There are many people working hard for Pittsfield, and I will continue to work hard for our city and our community. It is time to come together as one and work to expand upon the foundation that was built before us," he said.
"Communication and collaboration will be the key. Together we will tackle our problems and work towards one Pittsfield because I know our city is filled with hope for a prosperous future. Today I begin a journey, and I will be a mayor for this generation and implement new ideas that will help future generations."
Marchetti pointed out that he is the city's first openly gay mayor. He was joined by Gov. Maura Healey, the state's first openly lesbian governor.
"You do know that I do not consider myself a trailblazer, but I am honored to be Pittsfield's first openly gay mayor," he said before a roaring of applause.
"Combined with the diversity of this city council speaks volumes to the community that Pittsfield is."
Councilor At Large Pete White was elected as president in a 9-2 vote with Councilor At Large Kathy Amuso voting in opposition and Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey absent. Councilor At Large Earl Persip was elected as vice chair.
White said he is ready to get to work and is optimistic about the administration, council, and school committee.
"We probably have one of the greatest councils I've ever seen," he said.
For this term, White, Persip, Amuso, and Alisa Costa will serve At Large, Kenneth Warren will return as the Ward 1 Councilor, Brittany Bandani will represent Ward 2, Matthew Wrinn will represent Ward 3, James Conant will return as the Ward 4 Councilor, Patrick Kavey will return as the Ward 5 Councilor, Dina Lampiasi will return as the Ward 6 Councilor, and Rhonda Serre will represent Ward 7.
School Committee members include incumbents William Cameron, Daniel Elias, and Sarah Hathaway and newcomers William Garrity, Diana Belair, and Dominick Sacco.
It was an emotional day for former mayor Linda Tyer, who did not seek re-election and has taken a position at Berkshire Community College as the Executive Director of Workforce Development and Community Education. During his address, Marchetti spoke of his and Tyer's long and collaborative working relationship.
"It was certainly emotional when Mayor Marchetti acknowledged my time in office. He and I have known each other a really long time so it was really special to have those kind words and it certainly brought the whole 20 years to a special moment for me," she said.
"And I'm also very excited for the city of Pittsfield. Mayor Marchetti is going to be an amazing mayor. I'm thrilled with the members of the city council. It's a very exciting time and I hope that everyone in our city joins together in supporting this new administration and we strengthen our bonds through these kinds of partnerships."
Healey said that this was a "particularly moving" ceremony and that Pittsfield is a special place.
"It's an important part of our state's history, of who we are, our identity. It's the hub of regional activity and economy. Most importantly, Pittsfield has always struck me as a place where people work really hard and they care for one another," she said.
"And times may be challenging, times may be difficult but it's about resilience and it's about perseverance and it's about evolution and I think that whenever we go to the Berkshire Museum and you see what this region has done and produced, not just for decades but for centuries, it is special. Pittsfield is special."
She said that local government is where people either develop faith, confidence, or something else while observing it and it is especially meaningful to have Marchetti's leadership after serving the city in an official capacity for 16 years, as "he knows better than anyone else what government can and must deliver for people."
"Pittsfield is a place that is very, very special to me. Know and let this be known that this administration at the state level cares very much for Pittsfield, cares very much for Berkshire County," she said.
Marchetti thanked his supporters and family, some of whom were not present physically but in spirit, and made their presence known throughout the campaign, adding "I love you and miss you." At one point he joked, "Will you people in the front row stop crying," as loved ones shed tears.
"I promised to be a mayor for everyone. A mayor who fights for the current generations while building a city for future generations. We are a city built on strong connections, a stable foundation, and people who are committed to the city's success," he said.
The mayor outlined several initiatives that he will bring to the city, including the addition of a bi-weekly show on Pittsfield Community Television to interact with the community, a mental health and substance use disorder task force in the first 90 days, a transparent process in the selection of the next police chief, a $500,000 proposal for the small business trust fund, housing creation and facilitation efforts, and a business roundtable that meets quarterly.
As a former teaching assistant at Berkshire Community College's math lab, Marchetti said that he knows how crucial a robust education is and will work to ensure that teachers and paraprofessionals have the support and resources required to provide a quality education that produces quality results.
"Our teachers and paraprofessionals have the first-hand perspective and their input should be used to develop solutions to address educational problems," Marchetti said. "I will meet with them routinely and use my voice as a member of the school committee to achieve this success."
Marchetti also vowed to improve government efficiency, engage in a complete review of the city departments, engage every neighborhood, and promote the city's recreational facilities.
This includes the historic Wahconah Park, which is looking at a $30 million revitalization.
"Having a year-round stadium will benefit our city but also the entire Berkshires economically," Marchetti explained.
"All cultural organizations provide a destination for both our residents and tourists to enjoy top-notch events without leaving the Berkshires. We know the impact that tourism has on our city and we must continue to create and accomplish for all to flourish. In 2024, let's leave here today and take our challenges and make them opportunities."
The pledge of allegiance was led by the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusettes Troop 64912, the invocation was led by Rabbi David Weiner of Knesset Isreal, and the benediction was led by Father John Salatino of St. Mary's Parish in Westfield. The ceremony also included a special performance from 413 Cheer.
Afterward, the public was invited to a reception at Hot Plate Brewing Co.
Tags: inauguration,
