North Adams Mayoral Debate Video / Pittsfield.com

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It is an undisputed fact that Ron Boucher is the smartest man in North Adams.
from: Facts	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (18) - I Disagree (55)

It concerns me how Mr. Boucher keeps referring to "his people."("My people have a plan.") Could Mr. Boucher tell the citizens of North Adams who "his People" are? Could it be that Mr. Cardimino and John Barrett are doing his thinking? I want a mayor who engages everyone in ideas,not a select few.
from: viewer	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (45) - I Disagree (19)

It concerns me that Mr. Boucher keeps referring to "his people." ("My people have a plan.")Who are "his people" Are certain individuals feeding Mr. Boucher their ideas and doing his thinking? I prefer a mayor who engages all the citizens of North Adams and listens to all of us. I want a mayor who can think for himself! My vote will go to Mayor Alcombright.
from: Viewer	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (35) - I Disagree (19)

This was a great debate. Loved all of Rons ideas. He has won my vote. GO RON!
from: NA	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (22) - I Disagree (47)

Thank you iBerkshires for sponsoring this debate and NBCT for showing it. As expected Mr. Boucher had no knowledge how to accomplish the ideas he shared. He kept going back to the schools over and over again. It seems that he is never prepared to answer the hard questions about the economy and growth. Who are WE and OUR he kept referring to who are planning such wonderful things for the City???
from: laurie	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (41) - I Disagree (20)

Great job by Ron last night. He had Dick backpeddling from the start. He clearly showed his passion during this one on one debate. Unlike dick who will keep plugging, no details, Ron has a detailed plan for economic development (on this site and his). Have been out this morning.....and lots of heads shaking for Ron. Peaking at the right time!
from: FormerAlcombrightVoter	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (28) - I Disagree (53)

Ron Boucher will be the next Mayor of North Adams and I am proud to say it. Great job last night Mr. Boucher,
from: NA voter	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (23) - I Disagree (43)

While I will agree that Ron did a MUCH better job at the debate last night compared with the last debate, he still has no plan. He did a lot of questioning to the Mayor about what he's done over the last two years, but failed to say hardly anything about what he would do differently. While he was complaining about empty storefronts and agreeing totally that there is a nationwide economic problem, he also hopes he can fill the Mohawk and a huge amount of sq. ft. worth of space in Conte and the surrounding buildings with new businesses. Frankly, I'd be hugely in favor of that plan if it was remotely believable. How about we fill Main Street first? When asked: "What makes you believe anyone would be interested in investing in the Mohawk? Have you done any research?" Ron's answer was: "To be honest, No." Alcombright's plan to fill Conte with a school and bring MoCA and MCLA into partners with a plan at the Mohawk are real. Actual do-able things within the next year. Lets all stick to reality please.
from: From Here	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (51) - I Disagree (19)

It was concerning that Ron kept referring to "his people" having a plan. Are a certain select few feeding Ron information and giving him their ideas? Who are "his people?" I prefer someone who can think for themselves, engage all of us and listen to all ideas instead of being someone's "puppet". My vote will go to Mayor Alcombright!
from: Viewer	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (41) - I Disagree (19)

Ron's big campaign slogan..."Back to basics" Why go backwards and why do we only deserve the basics? Mayor Alcombright should have 2 more years to finally be a mayor, instead of having to spend the last 2 years fixing past issues. Ron's plan is hot air, false hopes, fake job promises, and dreams. So North Adams is going to buck a Nationwide trend? Wake up folks, Ron is a good man, but Mayor Alcombright is the best man for the tasks at hand!
from: Dan	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (46) - I Disagree (23)

Great job Ron. Now that was the mayor we have seen in the city council room. When confronted with truth he stammers and stutters. I expected counselor Bloom to rush in , in his PJ's to save him.
from: RealWayne	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (19) - I Disagree (38)

What a slam dunk for Ron, Alcombright could not answer the questions, nothing about the 700 K raises, no plan just keep pounding the pavement, didn\'t have the answers to the questions this time Dick, you look bewildered, but thats your style, the answer Dick was \"Enterprise \".what a trainwreck for a mayor, sure glad we will have a \"NEW MAYOR\" in Jan who has a plan and vision, bye-bye.
from: N.A.	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (23) - I Disagree (41)

Ron did not offer anything specific. He referred to "his people" several times. Who are "his people?" Are they a selct few who are feeding him THEIR agenda? Is he being used as a pawn? I want a mayor who will include all the citizens of North Adams and will listen to all of our ideas. I want someone who thinks on his own and is able to speak on our behalf in a respectful, intelligent manner. My vote will be for Mayor Alcombright!!
from: Viewer	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (34) - I Disagree (21)

All this showed was a desperate candidate who attacks with no substance. If this is how Boucher plans on building relationships with state officials, business community and those who oppose him it will be back to the way it was. Leave the third grade name calling in third grade. Thanks Dick for keeping professionalism in city hall.
from: Forward	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (38) - I Disagree (25)

Can one person come up with just one POSITIVE thing Ron said last night other than "my people have a plan?"
from: former resident	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (29) - I Disagree (12)

Are you kidding me? Boucher talks about transparency, plans and visions and he's so transparent that you can see he has neither plans nor visions. Voting to elect this guy as mayor, North Adams would be shooting itself in the foot. We'd be reversing things to what they were like 10 years ago. It's not rocket science to know that Mayor Alcombright had his work cut out for him trying to fix so many problems created by the former, secretive administration and he's had to do so in a down economy. OF COURSE Carr Hardware is going to have to hire more people, look at the size of the new space not to mention it's location. Those expanded businesses downtown mean we've got SUCCESSFUL businesses downtown that will feed money directly into other local businesses. Not only is Boucher lacking in vision, but he's lacking in facts and understanding. All I see is NEGATIVITY from the Boucher campaign. If you want to vote for progress VOTE ALCOMBRIGHT. If you want to vote for regression and failure, vote for Boucher. He's so uneducated about something as simple as the Hoosic River Revival group and its goal of ENHANCING the flood chutes, that should really scare people. He claims it's not the city's responsibility??? Really? The city shouldn't try to beautify it's downtown? The city shouldn't make sure the flood chute can continue to do its job well into the future? Really? Boucher as mayor would mean DISASTER for North Adams.
from: NARez	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (38) - I Disagree (16)

On the fence no longer. It shall be Ron. Dick looked very very bad last night. Still plugging away..is all he had to say. Ron has a vision.....it is published. dick's vision is to keep plugging...not gonna happen. Feel the momentum...feel the surge...great job Ron!
from: OnTheFence	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (21) - I Disagree (40)

once again Dick showed is knowledge of our problems and had solid solutions, good job Dick
from: north adams voter	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (33) - I Disagree (16)

on the debate...Ron wants 'neighborhood schools' but refused to say where he would put them. he claims 'no transparency' yet he admits that he has gotten more information from the mayor's office in the last 22 months, then he received from his entire council term under the previous administration. on his 'vision' he says he has a plan and 'his people have been talking to investors' but won't say who his people or the investors are. Alcombright wins hands down
from: kidding me	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (33) - I Disagree (16)

Dick was frustrated at this debate from having to hear Ron's imaginary numbers. I would be too knowing I am wasting my time with someone who doesn't understand how a budget works and how to calculate tax increases. Ron doesn't go to important committee meetings becuase he's out selling toilet products and then complains he didn't know all the facts. Who's fault is that?
from: Noron	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (29) - I Disagree (19)

To Tammy, Just a suggestion for future debates, It is important that you address the two candidates by the correct pronunciation of their names and the proper title of the other. You were addressing Mr. Boucher, it sounded like Boushay. And, Mayor Alcombright, as Mr. Alcombright. Tammy,you did a great job otherwise. I know people might say, they could have corrected you, but neither one did. Please don't take offense. Have a great day, I know it is a busy time for you.
from: suggestion	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: That's how Mr. Boucher's name pronounced, according to him (and he should know). I addressed both as "Mr." per our policy of approaching candidates as equals. We use the same policy in posting any candidate's press releases - no one gets a title in front of their name. I even addressed Rep. Olver as "Mr. Olver" during a debate last year. I Agree (22) - I Disagree (3)

Ron regarding the mattress manufacturer that didn't come to north adams: "do you think a company of that size was effected by one statement?" (meaning, the one he made) A statement from the city council president? Yep. If I'm running a company (regardless of size), the character of the local government is going to have a huge impact on where I decide to locate. I am amazed that Ron wouldn't get that.
from: bob	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (21) - I Disagree (10)

Nice job as moderator Tammy! You controlled it but let them go where they felt they needed to go. Also appreciated your own follow up questions on the fly! Very effective!
from: member	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (18) - I Disagree (6)

huh. not only does ron want a volunteer fire dept, he'd prefer that we police our own street rather than pay for police. sorry that his car got broken into but i don't think a community watch program (which really happened in response to the rash of break-ins more than a year ago) is going to solve that. is that the mysterious fat that he wants to cut out of the budget? unless he wants to pay his neighbors to walk around his neighborhood in the cold and snow looking for bad guys, he'll just have to put up with police officers being on the payroll.
from: resident	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (21) - I Disagree (12)

Tammy, I do not know why you did not put my reply to your answer. All I said was sorry for not understanding the rules basically. And that I was going by Mr. Alcombright way of saying Mr. Boucher name because he has worked with him for so long. This is not offensive. Just a explanation to why I commented on it. Also, rules are different on other programs.
from: suggestion	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: No reason to be sorry. You asked a perfectly legitimate question and I answered. I learned in the first debate we'd been saying Mr. Boucher's name wrong ... I don't think he really cared. UPDATE:This poster left a phone message asking that I delete the comment, believing I had taken offense and because of her inability to "Reply." First, no offense taken! It's a great question that many others may have been wondering about so I really don't want to delete your comment. We encourage questions and criticisms. Bring'em on. Second, we didn't ignore your reply, we never got it. That reply button rarely works right and has been a complete pain. The good news is that we're developing a system that will allow commenters to delete, edit and track their comments ... though they'll have to register to do it. We want to give people more control over what they post. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

are u kidding me?....ron boucher for mayor?.....and sorry alcombright fans , all he has done done is raise taxes and fees due to the fact he gace out $700, 000 in raises.....vote none of the above
from: local man	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (10)

The more I watch the debate the better Ron did, and more stupified Dick looked...almost like "how dare you question me". Well dick, the gig is up....you had your chance and failed miserably. It is now clear to the masses....vote Boucher
from: FormerAlcombrightVoter	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (17) - I Disagree (22)

Dear editor, it's funny how politicians, or even some non-politicians, respond to questions about pronouncing their name. I've known Ron for years and always called him Boosher, he never corrects me and says it's Booshay. Same with Dan Bosley. Some people use the hard o and some the soft. When I asked Dan which it was, he answered, "Whatever one you use I'll answer." On another note, are you looking forward to the day when you're no longer being accused of being the lead PR person for both of the campaigns?
from: WhatsInAName	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Oh yeah, I can't wait for Wednesday. On a side note, lots of Americans have two names - the way you say it and the way you're supposed to say it! I Agree (5) - I Disagree (2)

Everyone talks about Rons people when we vote for president of the US they all say my people will do this when we win .Dick put some of his people in jobs when he took over .Face it people main street will never be filled with retail stores rent to high .Nonew jobs will come because Dick has raised the comercial tax rate so high 35 percnt why would you open up .North Adams has one of if not the highest comercial tax rate in the state . So are pretty sidewalks and pocket parks goin to bring that rate down nope Every other town in south berkshire have things opening up like BJS new hotels have opened in Lenox big condo prodjects in south county what do we have opening that will make a real impact on the city nothing .So for all you that think moving forward is the way ,then open up a comerial company and tell me how it feels when the city TAXES THE HELL OUT OF YOU AND HITS YOU WITH ONE FEE AFTER ANOTHER .Just stop at any restaurant and ask how much they pay the city in taxes and fees.
from: boss	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: So how do we get the commercial rate down if you don't raise the residential rate? I Agree (6) - I Disagree (2)

There are evidently two ways of looking at North Adams's future - forward, or backward. To me, it looks like at least 2 to 1 for FORWARD. Good. Let it be so. VOTE.
from: guy	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (11) - I Disagree (7)

I was at legion's bar tonight and peeked into Ron's spaghetti dinner around 5:30pm. It was a sad turnout. Looks like the negative campaigning and attacks aren't working.
from: sad	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (9)

What I dont understand is Mr. Boucher was reading off a lot of figures at the beginning of the debate, but I dont really believe he knew what they all were. He was at the budget meetings held during the city council meetings.......why didnt he question those figures then? How come all the sudden he speaks as if he's our former mayor and wanting to go back to that type of dictatorship? Where's the fat Mr. Boucher? I cant name where it is, but I know it's there......ok and I trust everything you say too! Stay with Mayor Alcombright, he will keep all in the loop with no secrets!
from: keep the current mayor	on: 11-02-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (9)

Guy, I agree. But I dont think Ron will win 2-1...it will be closer. Ron shall move the city forward.
from: FormerAlcombrightVoter	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (8)

My family totally agreees. For years Mayor Barrett built a kingdom in NA of people who did only what he wanted with no disagreement. That is a dictatorship and not a democratic form of governing. It sounds like Mr. Boucher is a proponent of the Barrett model and Mayor Alcombright is open to the democratic model. Having the past mayor on the City Council would be very disruptive to allowing Mayor Alcombright run a democratic government in NA.
from: conway-hills	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (13) - I Disagree (9)

Neighborhood schools were great when kids walked to shools and teachers ran the whole building. Nice thing in the day. Unfortunately, that can't be afforded these days and you have to use a more central school, bringing the children to it. Taxes are high enough without building additional buildings that have to be furnished, heated, supported by personnel, etc. Proficient teachers can have really great results with classrooms that are larger than the models everyone was pushing years ago. Small classrooms and lots of teachers don't mean great results. Look at where we are in this country. Make teachers accountable for results as anyone else in the workforce.
from: conway-hills	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (3)

Conway is back....he has been against neighborhood schools for a while now.....obvioulsy does not have kids or does not care about their safety
from: OnTheFence	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (4)

Dear Boss, North Adams does not have the highest commercial tax in the state. West Springfield, Bedford, Worcester, Holyoke, Everett, Lynn and others have higher commercial rates (DOR website), and Holyoke is very much like North Adams in terms of size. In addition, many other communities have commercial rates very close to North Adams. And the residential rate, which people like you always claim is the "lowest" in the state, is actually very average compared to the rates of the other 350 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Also, in a city like Worcester, where the value of a property is significantly higher than any business property in North Adams, their actual payment is much, much higher in taxes. We all know the local businesses feel they are being unfairly taxed due to the split rate, but if you don't have that split, every other house in the city would be for sale or foreclosed on. The average salary of people living in North Adams is in fact one of the lowest in the state. They cannot afford to pay higher real estate taxes just to off-set those paid by businesses, who, if successful, can pass their costs onto their customers. A homeowner can't do that. Also, the largest commercial property owners in North Adams are National Grid, Time Warner and Scarafoni Realty. Do you want to give them a big tax cut? Say yes and then look at your latest electric and cable bill.
from: BossMan	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (0)

I dont think you and I were at the same place last night. Ron had close to 300 people. Must have had a few to many drinks. And also they come in spurts. Your just sad Ron beat Dicks totals.
from: na	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (9)

OnTheFence, I do have kids who have gone through public schools and I was on school committee for elementary, middle, and high schools. I do care about safety and quality education, but also care about tax rates and out of control schools and colleges.
from: conway-hills	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

Sad..you are sad...the answer is well over 230 people...happy to get on a conf call with the legion and you....or why dont you ask the Abusi's...they were in the BK parking lot counting cars (yea we know that too)
from: LowerTaxes	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (4)

Imagine the former Clerk and her hubby sitting in parking lot seeing who is going to a spaghetti supper. Thats what your Mayor is all about, transparency. Dick Alcombright is a terrible as a Mayor and he looks like he belongs at the farm milking the cows instead of the taxpayers of North Adams.
from: poor	on: 11-03-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (7)

Seems the only people who have a problem with Dick are the cheapskates who want city services for free. They'll hate Ron too when he figures out he can't print his own money to pay for snow removal, road repairs, a police force, the library, street lights, and keeping the heat on at the schools. They are simply too small-minded and ignorant to see past their own skimpy pocketbooks to understand the social contract among the residents of a city to take care of everyone. And if it costs them another $20 a month, it's not worth it. Selfish. Reprehensible. Indefensible.
from: Yet Another	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (5)

About the Abuisi's in the parking lot: seems like good electioneering to me, figuring out where your opposition's strengths and weaknesses are. If Ron ISN'T doing this, he's not being very smart. And certainly his supporters have little idea of what a good candidate or campaign is supposed to look like, so it's not surprising to hear one in a public forum showing off their lack of knowledge of the process.
from: Transparent	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (3)

We simply refuse to give our money to someone who shouts "RAISE TAXES RAISE TAXES FEES FOR PRES SCHOOL" because he is not a leader and cant handle tough problems.
from: LowerTaxes	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (8)

yet another one of dicks supporters posting senseless stuff on here
from: rick	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (6) - I Disagree (7)

Transparent makes no sense. The boucher campaign knows exactly what you all are doing. We also know about the 50 tickets you gave away to inflate your numbers.....you are in for a big surprise.
from: LowerTaxes	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (7)

Yeah, the surprise that I am in for is that Boucher supporters seem to care more about counting meatballs than in saying anything positive about Ron. Well, you guys go ahead and count those meatballs, cause you're going to need something to eat on Election Night at 8:05pm after Ron's concession speech.
from: Transparent	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (4)

Hey Yet Another - I don't call paying tax increase after tax increase after tax increase under Alcombright being a cheapskate. You apparently have an unlimited amount of "ONLY an extra $25 a month" to spare, but I, and most other taxpayers don't. Please stop acting as if because we voted against an ill-conceived override that was designed only to pay back the unions that for some reason we don't pay taxes at all. We do, and we pay a lot, and this Mayor has no off switch when it comes to raising taxes. The next one will. And your candidate will be sitting at home wondering how it all went wrong so fast.
from: YetAnotherNO	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (6)

just look at all the dunps that need to be torn down iam ashamed to bring anyone to north adams a least john cleaned alot of eye soars their is more to be done lets talk about that and whats going to be done with the old walmart
from: resident	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (4)

just look at all the dunps that need to be torn down iam ashamed to bring anyone to north adams a least john cleaned alot of eye soars their is more to be done lets talk about that and whats going to be done with the old walmart
from: resident	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (4)

northadams is a discress too many run down house that need to be torn down
from: homeowner	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1)

"YetAnotherNO", you are laughably incorrect, as usual. Any tax to you is "a lot" because you are not interested in paying your share. We're not paying "the unions", we're paying teachers, police, plow drivers, and the people who keep our city running. And I will be around on Tuesday night to watch you wonder how you could be so wrong about your ridiculous prediction of a Boucher victory. He'll be lucky if he gets 40% of the vote. I will be back in 96 hours to rub it in.
from: Yet Another	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (4)

Dear Resident and Homeowner, Please activate the spell check feature on your computer. Thank you.
from: Huh	on: 11-04-2011
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (1)

Gotcha liberal. And just who decides my fair share? You? The mayor? How dare you I pat more than enough in taxes. Go back to Cuba
from: LowerTaxes	on: 11-05-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (5)

Be careful in voting. DON'T vote for Barrett for City Council because, if elected, he'll try to undermine Mr. Alcombright, and try to make all think he is Mr. "Innocent."
from: f.w.goudy	on: 11-07-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

please vote for Barrett for city council he is the only one that knows anything
from: voter	on: 11-07-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (4)

Dear Bossman: North Adams may not have the highest rate in the state but I believe either the highest or second highest in Berkshire County. So if you have the choice to open your business in North Adams or a neighboring town, hmmm.
from: Lila	on: 11-08-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Phew................................!
from: voter	on: 11-08-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)