Pittsfield mayor announces re-election campaign

PITTSFIELD – Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi has announced his intention to seek a second term in office this year.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as Pittsfield’s mayor for the past 18 months,” the mayor said in a statement. “I have been humbled by the enormous and diverse support I have received from people across the city during my first term in office.

“The transition during this first term would not have been as successful without the support of hundreds of professional and talented city employees, whom I admire and respect greatly. I look forward to continuing to work with them to serve the residents of Pittsfield for another term.”

First elected in 2011, defeating then City Councilor Peter M. Marchetti, Mayor Bianchi has overseen a number of initiatives, including the expansion of the PEDA board, a full charter review of the city’s charter and the initiation of a Neighborhood Watch Program.

“It’s had its challenges but I think…we’ve addressed some pretty difficult issues,” said Mayor Bianchi in comments to The Beacon, when asked how satisfied he was with his first 18 months in office.

On why he was seeking a second term, the mayor said two years wasn’t enough to accomplish his goals.

As for what his priorities would be if re-elected, Mayor Bianchi said he’d focus on education, economic development and public safety.

One of those priorities would be to continue to work on the creation of a life sciences center at the William Stanley Business Park, which is located on the old GE campus.

“We’re very hopeful that we’re going to be successful in putting together a proposal for the life sciences center,” said the mayor.

As for what he considers to be his greatest accomplishments, Mayor Bianchi cited planning an economic development path for the city’s future, developing a good relationship with the community and the charter review process.

“I’d really hoped that the new charter would depoliticize the nature of government,” said Mayor Bianchi.

Pittsfield’s new charter will be voted on by the city’s electorate this November. One of the major changes in it is the extension of mayoral terms from two to four years.

As for his biggest disappointment, Mayor Bianchi said it was the pace of change involved with both the life sciences center application and the career vocational high school feasibility study.

“It’s been many many years in the making, so we have to be patient,” said the mayor.

“I don’t know,” said Mayor Bianchi, when asked if he expects a challenging re-election campaign.

So far, no candidate has announced his or her intention to challenge the mayor.

Posted by Bera B. Dunau on June 6, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry