Berkshires, State Return Incumbents & Pass MCAS Question

Staff Reports11:18PM / Tuesday, November 05, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts voters sent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren back to Capitol Hill.

She was leading challenger Republican John Deaton with 60 percent of the vote with half the precincts reporting at 11 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal also fended of a challenge from independent Nadia Milleron with 65 percent of the vote in the First Mass District.

State Sen. Paul Mark was leading his opponent, Republican David Rosa, 72 percent to 28 percent with 30 percent of precincts reporting.

State Reps. John Barrett III (North Adams) and Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Pittsfield) were running unopposed as was Tara Jacobs (North Adams) for Governor's Council in the 8th District.

All winning incumbents are Democrats and were the choices for the reporting Berkshire communities.

The Third Berkshire District saw a tighter race as Leigh Davis and MartyBeth Mitts vied to replace outgoing William "Smitty" Pignatelli. Davis was leading with 56 percent of the vote.

Three of the five ballot questions looked to be on track for passage late Tuesday night.

Question 1, on auditing the Legislature, had passed by large margins in reporting communities statewide with the exception of Spencer narrowly defeating it. The issue had been a campaign priority of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who says it will bring greater accountability and transparency to Beacon Hill.

The Legislature had been regularly audited until the early 1990s. It is not uncommon in other states.

Question 2, on removing passage of the 10th grade MCAS test as a graduation requirement, also seemed to be headed for passage. Reporting Berkshire communities easily passed the question.

Question 3, on allowing drivers of ride services to unionize, was polling at more than 50 percent. Reporting towns in central and southeast Massachusetts were opposed, as was Savoy, the only Berkshire community so voting against.

Question 4, legalizing certain natural psychedelics, was being roundly rejected. Becket and New Marlborough joined Northampton and some hilltowns in approving the measure. Some towns around Boston and Nantucket also voted in favor.

Question 5, that would put tipped employees on minimum wage also appeared to be defeated. Becket and New Marlborough were joined by Williamstown in passing the question, along with some towns near Boston.

Tags: election 2024,

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Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members.

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."

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