FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bianchi announces plan to host an Education Forum

“There is a real need to create an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss how learning is affected by academic and non-academic factors within our education system, Bianchi announced.”

    Pittsfield- Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi announced today that as part of his vision for improving education in Pittsfield he will host an education forum within the first 100 days of being elected.  Bianchi will invite members of the school administration and school committee, faculty and parent representatives, along with Department of Education officials and Mass School Building Needs Commission to participate.  The forum will serve as a venue to talk about the priorities for improving the Pittsfield public schools, including what is working and an in depth discussion about renovating school buildings coupled with a detailed discussion about how MCAS and other factors are affecting student performance.

Bianchi said that student academic performance, including how students do on MCAS tests and whether the school is meeting AYP, is affected by two broad sets of influences: school factors and non-school factors. The first entails what happens in school, and thus what is within the control of the school district itself. The second entails conditions outside the schools, such as the demographic profile of the students and the community, and infrastructure needs at our schools. 

“Throughout this campaign, I have been talking to residents about their concerns regarding school choice and how that impacts a classroom, a school and a neighborhood; the lack of supplies, technology and text books available to students; and the pressures that we are placing on faculty and students in 3rd grade and above as they prepare for MCAS,” Bianchi said.

“Residents of Pittsfield have real concerns and I want to bring all parties to the table to talk about these very important issues and how they are related to one another.  We need to determine whether there is a direct correlation between the three Pittsfield elementary schools which were not put on the building needs agenda and their failure to meet AYP this year.   An education forum, as I am suggesting, will give us an opportunity to increase awareness and develop a meaningful program and list of priorities that will benefit school age children from the very beginning of their education, where learning begins,” Bianchi added.

“It is no secret that the MCAS has been the subject of much controversy in Mass.   For the first time since testing began, more than half of Massachusetts schools are out of compliance with federal achievement standards, a finding that raises warning flags for local educators but also sparks questions about whether the national benchmarks are inappropriate.  MCAS are on the minds of many school age children and their families and we need to work with parents to make them part of the process.”  Bianchi said.

“Teachers have stepped up and gone above and beyond in Pittsfield which is why MCAS scores have gone up and school drop-out rates have gone down. My opponent’s claim that he has had something to do with both of these important successes is unfair and misguided,” added Bianchi. 

“From the very beginning I was in favor of renovating our two existing high schools, unlike my opponent who has used the office of Mayor to move the one “mega high school” project to the front burner despite the Mass State Building Commissions recommendation that state funding for such a “giant” would not be available. This is another example of the mayor being out of touch with the residents.”

Bianchi Challenges Ruberto to Debate on Economic Development 

 

Pittsfield- Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi has announced that he will challenge the Mayor to a round table debate on Friday October 30th at 5:00 P.M. The round table will take place on WBRK AM1340 on Talk Berkshires and PCTV and will include topics on economic development, jobs, crime and education or any topic the Mayor would like to discuss.

 

“We assumed for the past month the Chamber debate was off. We offered numerous alternatives but none were accepted. We invited the Chamber to participate in an October 13th debate on WBRK and they declined. I am frustrated by the fact that Berkshire County Chamber showed no flexibility changing the date of their debate to accommodate our scheduling conflict, nor there willingness to participate in a previously scheduled debate. It is important for the voters of Pittsfield to hear from ALL candidates and here each of our messages for moving Pittsfield forward. When my campaign informed the chamber of my schedule, the Chamber and Sherman Baldwin of WBRK said that they could not switch the date because of scheduling with PCTV. I received confirmation from PCTV last evening that they were never contacted with any alternative dates to switch the  Chamber debate even though these dates were presented to the Chamber a month in advance. I think this purposeful attempt to mislead the citizens of Pittsfield is inexcusable and I suggest the Mayor debates me this Friday.”

 

“I suggest the Mayor debates me on Friday as well as the previously scheduled debate this Thursday. That will make three debates in five days. I believe this whole scheduling issue is just a device to give the Mayor yet another opportunity to send this campaign in a negative direction. I am more than happy to discuss my message and my vision for the future of this City with the voters of Pittsfield and the Mayor.

 Bianchi disappointed over Chamber Debate Schedule

 Pittsfield- Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi is disappointed over the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s unwillingness to reschedule a debate that he will not be attending because of a scheduling conflict. The Bianchi campaign informed the Berkshire Chamber of multiple scheduling conflicts with the October 28^th debate over a month before the debate was to take place. The campaign suggested numerous alternative dates that would have been mutually convenient for the candidates but were informed that PCTV could not accommodate a taping of the event so they would have to stick to the October 28^th date.

 “I am disappointed that the Chamber would move forward with a debate that I expressed at such an early date I could not attend because of several scheduling conflicts.  I have received phone calls from Chamber members that are upset with the Chamber’s unwillingness to provide and host an event that will be fair and mutually convenient for both candidates.” Bianchi said.

 “When I challenged the Mayor to an aggressive debate schedule, which included 5 different forums for discussion in the course of 4 weeks, I noted that if any of the dates I suggested did not work with his campaign that I would work with his campaign and the hosts of the debate to reschedule at a time that would have been mutually convenient to all parties involved. Unlike the Mayor I have a full time job and I am trying to support my family on top of my busy campaign schedule. I would urge the Mayor to show the same courtesy to me as I showed to him.”

 “It is important that the residents of Pittsfield get fair and unbiased coverage so that they can gain the information about my message and vision on jobs and economic development and vote on Election Day accordingly. They deserve to BE AWARE OF my multiple attempts to reschedule this debate at a time that would be mutually convenient.”

 “The Mayor needs to get his facts straight and should not attack me on my record on Jobs but should look closely at his own broken promises. During his administration he created task forces, vowed jobs at the PEDA site, and made promises during election time about bringing new jobs to Pittsfield and increasing the salary wages. He has failed the residents of Pittsfield on all of these promises. The Mayor is RELYING ON election time rhetoric versus results.”

 “We have discussed jobs and economic development at length at each of the 4 debates that we have had so far. My vision for jobs and economic development in Pittsfield includes changes at PEDA which provides Pittsfield with a unique opportunity to stimulate our local economy and create real jobs.  As your mayor, I will provide transparency, accountability and the leadership necessary to move this project forward.  I will hire a marketing director, conduct a full board review, and serve as an active member of the board to create real jobs in Pittsfield. I will also support job development by creating a Small Business fund with $1Million of existing PEDA fund dollars to help our small local businesses grow.I RE-ITERATE MY challenge TO the Mayor to debate me on the topic of economic development, jobs, and education at a time and date that is mutually convenient.”

Bianchi disappointed at Mayor Ruberto’s negative and misleading radio and mail ads

 

Pittsfield- Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi expressed disappointment at Mayor Ruberto’s misleading radio and mail ads which have recently aired.   The radio and mail ads suggest that Dan Bianchi was responsible for cutting hundreds of municipal jobs.  The accusations in the ads are false and misleading to voters. Look at the newspaper clippings on Mayor Ruberto’s ads- one says “The School Committee voted earlier this year to issue lay off notices to 119 school employees.” Another reads “Some 700 city employees will go without paychecks today as Pittsfield government’s partial shutdown continues due to stalled budget negotiations between the City Council and the Mayor.” The newspaper clippings from Ruberto’s own ads contradict his misleading statements about Dan Bianchi.

 “I encourage the Mayor to re-think his negative radio and mail ad campaign. This is a desperate attempt by the Mayor and his highly paid professional campaign staff to deliberately mislead the citizens of Pittsfield. ” Bianchi said.

 “I served as Director of Administration and Finance during a time when the City and State were faced with its worst economic crisis in years.  During that time the City faced a 10% cut in state aid and the city’s state aid was reduced $6 million dollars.  This occurred 2 years in a row.  As Finance Director for the city, it was my responsibility to make sure that the city’s finances were in order and that we were protecting vital services to the residents in the city, which I we did under an unfortunate economic crisis. The only other option during these circumstances would have been to raise taxes exponentially, which I’m sure Jim Ruberto would have done. Several Massachusetts cities that did not manage their finances responsibly ended up in bankruptcy and receivership” added Bianchi.

 "I was not Mayor of the City or a City Councilor at the time.  I was a member of the management team. I did not vote on the budget.   At one point the City Council forced a cessation of normal business which required delaying of payroll payments.  For Mayor Ruberto to intentionally mislead the people of Pittsfield and say that I was responsible for eliminating jobs is a pathetic attempt to scare the public and gain votes. The Mayor should be honest with the citizens of Pittsfield and tell them the truth about his administration instead of misleading them on the facts about former administrations.”

 Bianchi said, “I am disappointed that the Mayor has engaged in such negative tactics at this point in the campaign. My staff in my campaign office has been overwhelmed with responses from residents disgusted with the Mayor’s tactics.  The Mayor has failed the citizens of Pittsfield on the issues and that is why he is reaching so far to come up with false allegations from 18 years ago.  I would prefer to be talking about issues affecting the citizens of Pittsfield today, how we plan to address those issues, and our philosophy of governing and treating citizens.” 

 “My vision for moving Pittsfield forward is supporting our public safety officials so that they can combat the increase in crime that has occurred during Mayor Ruberto’s tenure. I will address the lack of job opportunities by promoting the PEDA site and investing in our small businesses through the creation of a small business fund. I will continue to advocate for renovations to our two existing high schools and provide the resources for teachers and students to succeed where education begins. Pittsfield deserves better then what the Mayor has given us and I intend to move Pittsfield forward in a more positive manner.”

Bianchi questions Mayor’s leadership and planning on housing stock 

 

Pittsfield- Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi is questioning Mayor Ruberto’s leadership in addressing the issue of housing stock in the city. Bianchi suggests that the recently constructed New Amsterdam Housing Project in downtown Pittsfield, which has been one of the mayor's proudest endeavors, does not fit Pittsfield’s housing needs. Bianchi also suggests that the current code enforcement in the city may be a contributing factor in the city’s high vacancy rate.

 

Bianchi suggests that the findings from a recent housing study conducted by Dietz & Company contradicts Mayor Ruberto's plan for housing development in Pittsfield.  Bianchi noted that the Mayor's original intent of the New Amsterdam Project was to create housing for young professionals who would benefit from being located in downtown Pittsfield.  However, the current occupants of this project are working class families whose children are without adequate recreational facilities. "The 43 unit development has been built on one and a half acre of land with insufficient parking, no green space, and no place for the children living in the development to play safely. The development is also located within feet of one of the City’s busiest streets.” Bianchi noted.

 

“This project brings new housing stock to an area that has been far too overcrowded for too long.  However, I think that it would serve as a model in a community that did not have our demographics or our current housing needs.”

 

"While the Mayor considers this project to be one of his successes, I question his management and leadership in creating housing in Pittsfield that meets the needs of our residents. A currently completed housing study indicates that we have a 16% un-occupied housing rate and it seems that what we need is not more housing, but to rehabilitate and revitalize the housing we currently have.  We also need to create more green space for families in the West Side and Morningside neighborhoods. If our Mayor had taken a logical approach for sustainable affordable housing development he would have requested a housing study on our West Side and Morningside neighborhoods before the construction of the New Amsterdam Project." I voted against the “smart growth” ordinance because smart growth ordinances are designed for places like Boston that do not have a lot of open, appropriate urban space to develop. With this vote I voted for safeguarding our neighborhoods from further overcrowding and I voted for protecting our children’s safety.”

 

Bianchi went on to say that “Code enforcement is a necessary tool to ensure that we are creating a standard of living that is acceptable to both tenants and landlords. I am opposed to overly aggressive code enforcement that would prevent a landlord from making his property available to residents. Such code enforcement imposes excessive expenses that would greatly increase the cost of housing to the point where these housing units would become vacant.”

 

“If elected, I would hold a housing summit and invite the public and landlords from across Pittsfield to discuss their needs and the barriers to renting their vacant properties.  These are real concerns shared between residents and landlords.   We need to come up with real solutions for real people to make this work and appropriately address the housing needs of our residents.” [1]

 

###

 

 

Bianchi Proposes Small Business Fund 

Bianchi proposes to use some of the existing G.E. economic development funds to finance the new small business fund. 

 

“My idea is to set aside one million dollars of the existing G.E. economic development funds to help our local small businesses” said Bianchi.

 

This fund would offer zero interest loans or grants to fund projects for businesses with demonstrated needs. In order to qualify for the program, businesses must employ fewer than 100 employees, have been located in the City for a minimum of five years, and have a sound financial business plan. Award amounts will be based on need, job retention and creation, potential for growth, and demonstrable commitment to the community.

 

The awards will be administered by a small business council composed of representatives from throughout the business community. The small business council will review the applications for assistance and determine eligibility and award amounts based on the criteria listed above.

 

Bianchi continues to stress the importance of supporting small businesses and encouraging them to help create strategies for the City’s future. This fund will offer assistance to projects that benefit the community.  

 

“Our small local businesses are the backbone of this community. Together they employ thousands of residents and support many families. It is time that the city listens to their needs and concerns. We should partner with these businesses to provide the support that they need to succeed.”

 

“All streets will lead to city hall during my administration. I plan to be the voice that our local small businesses need to continue to grow and succeed in the community.”

 

For more information about Councilor Bianchi’s vision for small business and economic development in Pittsfield please visit his website www.votebianchi.com or by calling his campaign office at 442-2555.

###

Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi wants PEDA Action

Pittsfield- Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi has asked Mayor Ruberto to take action on PEDA/William Stanley Industrial Park.  Given the stagnant development at PEDA and the interesting movement of earth at the site, Bianchi calls on Ruberto to provide the public with an update on the status of the project.  

“During this campaign, residents have listed the development of the PEDA property as one of their top priorities.  I am on record questioning the mayor’s leadership of the PEDA Project.  I have questioned the lack of transparency from their board on meeting milestones, setting future goals and major decision making” said Bianchi.

“Under the right leadership and with the support of a professional board, I believe this project could provide Pittsfield with a unique opportunity to create jobs and secure additional revenue for the City. We have waited too long for progress and we must insist on a plan that details progress.  I believe the mayor and the PEDA board have lost track of their mission and vision, and PEDA is in need of new leadership to move this project forward”, Bianchi added. 

“Once elected, I will look to replace the interim PEDA Director, Bill Hines, who is a close political ally of the mayor.  I would conduct a nation wide search to recruit a new PEDA director who has experience and a demonstrated track record of success with Brownfield redevelopment.  I will respectfully request each board member to formally reapply for board appointment to ensure that each member of the board is serving in compliance with the terms designated by the PEDA legislation. The PEDA legislation stipulates that board members fit certain areas of expertise such as finance, environmental impact, economic development, and workforce development.  I will retain a seat on the board to ensure that I am fully engaged in PEDA’s progress and decision making.  I will also develop a protocol whereby information and progress is made available to the city council and residents on an ongoing basis. Protocol improvements will include an overhaul of the PEDA website, which will be linked to the Pittsfield website, so that everyone can be kept up to date.”

“After researching the original consent decree, and analyzing the provisions of Section 268 of Chapter 295 of the Massachusetts fiscal year 1999 budget (PEDA legislation), I recognize the significant influence and authority the Mayor has with regard to the development of this project.  If elected mayor, I will take that responsibility very seriously and use good judgment and fair review when considering board appointments and the hiring of a director.  I want to be sure that the PEDA board is representative of our community at large, not just a small circle of personal friends or colleagues.”

###

Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi backs Downing and Speranzo on two high school renovations

Pittsfield- Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi says he backs State Senator Ben Downing and State Representative Chris Speranzo’s plan to lobby the School Building Authority for renovations to our two existing high schools.

“I want to commend Senator Downing and Representative Speranzo for listening to the needs and concerns of the citizens of Pittsfield. The vast majority of residents I have spoken with have all expressed their concerns over Mayor Ruberto’s proposed mega high school. They have told me they want small class sizes, smaller campus environment, differentiated learning experiences, and are concerned about the increased tax burden of building a mega high school. I am glad to see that our legislative delegation is in touch with our residents” said Bianchi.

“Mayor Ruberto’s challenge to have a debate solely on education illustrates that the Mayor is not in touch with the citizens of Pittsfield.  If he would have only listened to the citizens, there would not have been this long, costly discussion of one mega high school” Bianchi added.

“This election, in part, is about how we can best serve our children and provide the best possible education in Pittsfield. We have excellent teachers and school administrators that should be credited with the improvements and progress our schools have made in MCAS testing. The Mayor should not be taking credit for the accomplishments of our talented teachers and administrators. It should also be pointed out that the additional teachers and coaches that the Mayor hired were mandated because of or prior test results. As Mayor I will commit the resources that school teachers and administrators need to help children be successful.  I will also represent Pittsfield in Boston, so that it is clearly understood the particular challenges unique to Pittsfield”

“I strongly suggest that Mayor Ruberto abandon his plan for one mega high school and to acknowledge the wishes of the residents of Pittsfield and our legislatures.”

Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi asks Mayor to abandon Mega High School Concept

On the back of recent news from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and in concert with what residents are talking about daily throughout this city, Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi asks Mayor Ruberto to “abandon” his future plans for the elimination of two high schools and the construction of a “Mega High School.” 

“From the very onset of this discussion, I have favored preserving our two high schools. 

Pittsfield has two terrific high schools and we should be focused on supporting teachers in their classrooms and improving the quality of education within these two structures.

All of our efforts at the municipal level should be focused on improvements to these high schools rather than build a $180 million + mega high school.” said Bianchi.   

“When I’m going door to door and talking to residents and families I am hearing over and over

again how parents and students want small class sizes and an

intimate learning experience that two high schools provide” Bianchi added.

“With state sales tax revenue on a steady decline, the Massachusetts School Building Authority is projecting its portion of state funds will fall short by millions this fiscal year making access to funds more competitive.

If the mayor continues to pursue one high school, tax payers will end up paying for it with a dramatic tax increase.

Our efforts at this time should be to lobby our state legislators and

Governor for their support in improving our two existing high schools”

The MSBA program, which works with communities in the commonwealth to build and improve school buildings is a non-entitlement competitive grant program, and grants are distributed by the MSBA based on need and urgency.  Their program is a “pay as you build” payment system,

with reimbursements to communities based on eligible project expenses.

“The bottom line” Bianchi added “we need to do what is in the best interest of our children and their education,

all while keeping in mind the impact on the tax payer.”

Bianchi Challenges Ruberto to Debates

Pittsfield- Ward 6 City Councilor and Mayoral Candidate Dan Bianchi announces that he will challenge incumbent Mayor James Ruberto to three debates before the November 3rd election.

The three debates that Bianchi has confirmed his participation in and has challenged Ruberto to participate in are on October 26th at 8:00 P.M. at BCC hosted by the Pittsfield Gazette, on October 29th at 8:45 A.M to air on WUPE Radio hosted by Larry Kratka, and a debate hosted by The Berkshire Eagle at a date to be determined, although Bianchi has agreed to participate.

“These three debates, along with my aggressive campaign schedule will provide the citizens of Pittsfield with ample opportunity to hear from each of us about our vision for Pittsfield and make their decision on Election Day accordingly” said Bianchi.

If a scheduling conflict arises between Ruberto and the previously scheduled dates for the debates, Bianchi has offered to work with Ruberto to reschedule the debates at a time that is mutually convenient. 

“I look forward to a healthy exchange of ideas over the next several weeks of this campaign. I also look forward to speaking with the citizens about my vision for moving Pittsfield forward and tackling some of the tough issues that our community faces”
   

Berkshire County Building & Construction Trades Endorse Bianchi 

“The working class wants to be involved with City government. We want to be listened to and heard. We just want to be treated fairly and have a seat at the table.” said Mike Filpi Treasurer of the Laborers Local 473. The Union cited growing concerns over the development of the P.E.D.A. site, fairness and openness in city government, and crime as reasons the City needed a change and why they were endorsing Bianchi.

“I grew up in the City. We used to be able to leave our doors open and not have to worry about a thing, but those times have changed. Pittsfield is a great place to raise a family but the crime these days is changing all of that” said another Union member.

“Bianchi is a hero of Pittsfield and a voice for the Berkshire County Building Trades. He has what it takes to move Pittsfield forward in the right direction.”

Above all else the Union feels that Bianchi is a proven leader that has the experience to take Pittsfield in a new direction and make the necessary changes to City government that will make it open, transparent, fair, accountable, and inclusive.

For more information on Councilor Bianchi’s campaign please visit our website at www.votebianchi.com or by calling our campaign office at 442-2555 

•____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From The Pittsfield Gazette

Bianchi Wins Preliminary

Smiling Bianchi: victorious night and vow to work harder

22.SEP.09
Dan Bianchi captured first place in the 10-candidate mayoral preliminary election on Tuesday.

He recorded 44.5 percent of the votes cast and will meet incumbent James Ruberto on November 3 for the general election. Ruberto had 37.7 percent of the votes.

Fewer than 28 percent of Pittsfield's registered voters participated in the election.

Pam Malumphy finished a distant third with just under ten percent of the votes. Nick Caccamo was fourth at just under five percent.

The other six candidates eachhad fewer than one percent of the votes. -
Copyright 2009 The Pittsfield Gazette, Inc.

August 28th:  Bianchi Hosts Coffee & Conversation at Providence Court

August 26th:  Bianchi Meets with Supporters at Fundraiser

August 24th:  Binachi Hosts Coffee & Conversation at Columbia Arms

August 22nd:  Bianchi Meets with Residents of Berkshire Town

August 19th:  Bianchi Meets with Business Leaders

August 17th: Dan Bianchi will host "Coffee and Conversation" with the residents of Berkshire Town on Friday August 21st at 10 A.M. All are invited and encouraged to come enjoy coffee and have the opportunity to talk with Councilor Bianchi. The event is sponsored by The Committee to Elect Dan Bianchi.

August 17th: Listen to "Talk Berkshires" on WBRK 1340AM this Monday August 17th at 5 P.M. Dan Bianchi will be the guest talking about his campaign and vision for Pittsfield.  

August 17th: Pasta Dinner Fundraiser 8/25

August 17th: Bianchi Hosts Small Business Forum & Listening Session

August 8th: Dan Bianchi visited supporters at this weekend's Bud Lite Softball Tournament at the Berkshire County Softball Complex. He visited with players, families, and fans to talk about the issues facing Pittsfield and to listen to some of their concerns. Pictured below are the uniforms' of one of the teams