The last-minute write-in campaigns for Planning Board resulted in higher than normal write-in votes — 306 — for Monday's election.
DALTON, Mass. — The unofficial results for the town's annual election indicate that Planning Board registered candidate William Striebel III and write-in candidate Richard Hall have secured the two seats.
Some 413 voters cast their ballots at the Senior Center on Monday. There were 82 mail-in ballots.
The Planning Board race began with just one candidate for the two available positions, leaving one vacancy initially unfilled, but as Election Day approached, two additional candidates launched write-in campaigns, transforming it into a competitive contest.
The Planning Board saw a significant number of write-in votes, totaling 306. Striebel secured 238 votes, Hall 163, and Mary Tresa Devereaux with 133.
Both Hall and Devereaux have been endorsed by the Dalton Clear Air Coalition, of which Hall is a member, and Democratic Town Committee.
Hall decided to run for Planning Board last Monday inspired by the Berkshire Concrete situation wanting to ensure that the company follows the town's zoning bylaws.
"Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to helping the town. It's a privilege being on the Planning Board," he said.
In the position, Hall hopes the board works as a team to update zoning laws and ensure zoning is properly followed.
iBerkshires called Striebel, also a newcomer, for comment, but at the time of publication had not heard back.
However, during his campaign, Striebel highlighted his experience running a small trucking business that hauls quarry materials and performs state snowplowing contracts. This experience, he said, taught him the value of hard work, responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration.
In a Facebook post prior to the elections, Striebel shared his concern stemming from Berkshire Concrete's lawsuit against the town, cautioning that there is a "very small window left for meaningful negotiation, every word counts and each word needs to reach for common ground."
"Like many residents, I have watched from the sidelines as concerns over dust from the Berkshire Concrete Corporation gravel mining operation have grown into a major issue for nearby residents and for the Town," he wrote. "I also recognize that the resulting lawsuit will be quite costly and difficult for everyone involved."
Incumbent John Boyle and newcomer Jeannie Ingram have successfully been elected to the Select Board for the three-year positions. Boyle raked-in 294 votes and Ingram won 350 votes. The uncontested race had 41 write-in votes.
Results for other seats; all uncontested:
Moderator: incumbent Anthony Doyle, 364 votes; Cemetery Trustee: Mary Cherry, 372 votes; Finance Committee: Diane Lowe: 356; two library trustees: incumbents Max Ehrlich, 347 votes, and Fred Sears, 374 votes.
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Pittsfield's Christian Center Announces Community Day, 'Big News'
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After collecting community input about a potential new name and programming opportunities, the Christian Center says it will make a big announcement this summer.
The nonprofit plans to unveil "big news" during its annual Community Day on Aug. 22, Executive Director Jessica Jones told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.
To accommodate different work schedules, Monday through Friday pantry hours were extended to include the second and fourth Saturday of every month; the pantry and lunch open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Having some Saturday availability, we're hoping, is going to be helpful for those whose work schedules don't allow for weekday visits to the pantry," Jones said.
"And we also know that more and more working people are having to make tough decisions about whether or not they spend their money on food or gas or rent or any of the other things that they have to make decisions about."
HAC Chair Kim Borden said the Saturday hours are very exciting.
"And I love your thinking on that, because you're right, limited hours when folks are working and picking up kiddos from daycare, there isn't always enough time," she added.
The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.
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Check out the events happening this weekend including free fishing this weekend courtesy of the state, First Fridays, carnival, and more.
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