Letter: John Barrett Is the Only Choice

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To the Editor:

Rep. John Barrett III is the only choice!

I have had the pleasure of knowing Representative Barrett for upwards of 30 years. In that time it was evident that he was first committed to the City of North Adams, which spoke volumes through everything he brought to the table and brokering the MoCA deal was, while monumental, only begins to mention his accomplishments.

County Commissioner: four years
McCann Technical School representative: eight years
Mayor for the City of North Adams: 26 years
State representative for the First Berkshire District: nine years

This tremendous history of dedication to our district speaks volumes of what John Barrett III has done for us. He is ever cognizant of each and every moving part in our district and doesn't preach about what he wants to do in our district, his record is the only proof our district needs to ensure we move forward in the future.

He is a very personable and reachable man whose heart has and always will be on the forefront not only for North Adams but the First Berkshire District. He is not afraid to ruffle feathers at the State House to ensure the best interests of his district are met. John Barrett III always puts others and the betterment of his district before himself. A vote for John Barrett III is a vote to ensure or district will be represented by the best possible person!

Jim Holmes
North Adams, Mass. 

 

 

 


Tags: election 2026,   


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North Adams Police Charge 7 After Drug Investigation

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Police charged seven people after executing simultaneous search warrants on Eagle Street and Arnold Place.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, members of the North Adams Police Department Detective Unit and Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force executed search warrants at 212 Eagle Street Apartment 3 and 59 Arnold Place.

According to police, the search warrants were the result of a month-long investigation into a group of people from Springfield utilizing both residences as part of their heroin and cocaine distribution operation.

Police reported that during the search warrant execution at 212 Eagle Street Apartment 3, Giovanni Ramirez was taken into custody. Joanne Bentley and Chad Luczynski were also located in the apartment and will be charged as part of this investigation.

During the search warrant execution at 59 Arnold Place, Sandra Bunt, Raven Vanderburg, Jaiden Langford-Andrews and Angel Ortiz were all taken into custody.

Bunt's bail was revoked on a separate open case, and she is held without bail. Vanderburg is being held without bail for a probation violation on a separate case.

Langford-Andrews, Ortiz and Ramirez were all held without bail pending dangerousness hearings scheduled for later this week and early next week.

As a result of the investigation, the following evidence was seized:

  • Approximately 110 grams of cocaine
  • Approximately 2,323 bags of heroin (46 grams)
  • Approximately $6,817 U.S. Currency
  • Multiple functioning digital scales with residue

The following people were arrested and charged with the following:

Jaiden Langford-Andrews of Springfield:

  • Arrest Warrant
  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

Angel Ortiz, of Springfield:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy
  • Giovanni Ramirez, of Springfield, Massachusetts:
  • Trafficking Cocaine 36-100 grams
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
  • Conspiracy

Sandra Bunt, of North Adams:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

Raven Vanderburg, of North Adams:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

The following people were charged but not taken into custody:

Joanne Bentley of North Adams:

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