A meeting on the future of the Meadows generated a range of suggestions last night, but those who braved a cold drizzle to speak their minds were united on one point: They do not want to see the city's largest natural area developed.
State Rep. Peter J. Larkin, one of the more influential state representatives from Western Massachusetts, yesterday resigned from the Legislature to become a lobbyist.Need to do some research... I'd be interested in who WHEN endorses.
DiMasi will set the date for a special election to fill Larkin's seat. Larkin's district includes almost all of Pittsfield.
Several possible candidates for Larkin's seat are being mentioned including Adam J. Delmolino, a legislative aide for Larkin; Rhonda Serre, an aide for U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, and Pittsfield City Solicitor Christopher N. Speranzo.
GREENFIELD - At a planning meeting last night, the chairmen of Town Council committees voted to cancel tomorrow night's scheduled council session because issues, including changes to a new "peeping Tom" ordinance and funding for a park for dogs, are not ready for a vote.Next up: jaywalking.
Chairman Councilor Joseph Gochinski said the amendment would accomplish just one thing - taking care of a problem in the wording of the ordinance. It now prohibits "peeping Tom" activities, and would be changed to "peeping person."
"That might be a gender issue," he said.
For the record, "Single-payer" is not necessarily "government-paid health insurance". It just means that the government acts as a single-payer of health care to pool the risks and lower the total cost. It may then charge the participants, but that's a separate decision."Peter is an outsider who will consider decisions based on the merits and a person's qualifications, not political pedigree," Wilmot said.
Vickery will represent more than 90 communities in the four counties of Western Massachusetts.
"I'm a fresh face with a different perspective and a very new approach," said Vickery, who supports a woman's right to choose an abortion, favors gay marriage and creation of "single-payer" or government-paid health insurance.
Council members often are divided between a couple of different voting blocs, but Vickery is unlikely to take sides. "I'll wait and see which issues come up," Vickery said. "I'll vote my conscience. I won't follow anybody's cue."