PITTSFIELD, Mass. Four ward councilors have announced that they will not seek re-election, leaving space for new leadership in those areas and a changeup of at least a third of the council November. Ward 1 Councilor Helen Moon, in a Facebook video post this week, said the physical and mental strains over the past two years related to the pandemic and her personal and professional life led to her decision not to run for a third term. I thought it was unfair to my constituents that I cannot give myself 150 percent like I try to because of what s happening in my own life, she said. You deserve somebody who is going to put you No. 1 and I cannot give you that.
Powell abruptly resigned last month over committee s choice for superintendent. Slaughter is the Central Massachusetts regional director for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and as a Pittsfield native has strong relationships with several children, families, elected officials, and community leaders in the city. I am a Black educated woman who is a confident, passionate, determined, organized leader and team player, she wrote in her letter of interest. Joining the Pittsfield School Committee will allow me to continue to serve and engage our students in our community. Also indicating interest was Karen Kaveney-Murray, who has worked in Pittsfield Public Schools as a translator, and Randy Farmer, who feels strongly about ensuring success for all students by implementing policies that focus on student achievement. Ward 4 Councilor Chris Connell nominated Farmer but the motion was not seconded.
The Ordinances and Rules committee on Monday addressed Ward 2 Councilor Kevin Morandi s petition to review the keeping of chickens at 16 Kensington Ave. In a 3-2 vote, the panel postponed voting on the matter until its June 7 meeting. Councilor at Large Earl Persip III and Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Maffuccio opposed postponing because they felt the panel had no purview. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hearing on May 19 during which it will determine if the birds are being kept in accordance with the special permit obtained for their keeping. In this situation, the ZBA holds authority over revoking the chickens residency.
The Berkshire Labor Assembly and Western Mass Area Labor Federation hosted a socially distanced memorial to remember all those who have lost their lives to preventable workplace injury or illness. This includes deaths from COVID-19, workplace injury, or other work-related illnesses. Berkshire Central Labor Council President Brian Morrison and Liz Recko-Morrison, Berkshire chapter director of the Massachusetts Community College Council, read the names of t hose who died at or as a result of their work this year including essential workers, first responders, and firefighters. State Sen. Adam Hinds, City Council President Peter Marchetti and Councilor at Large Pete White were in attendance. Hinds and White spoke on the importance of legislative changes to protect workers such as emergency paid sick time and a $15 minimum wage.