Tricia Farley-Bouvier

www.triciafarleybouvier.com


Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Ben Garver)

"Democrat Farley-Bouvier has eye on school building upgrades"
By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, October 10, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- Tricia Farley-Bouvier realized the need to upgrade the city's high schools when she was first elected to the City Council nearly eight years ago.

As a member of the Pittsfield School Building Needs Commission since 2005, Farley-Bouvier, a city councilor from 2004 to 2008, has advocated for some type of school building project on the Taconic High School campus. The commission is currently collaborating with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to determine if a proposed project will involve erecting a new Taconic, renovating the existing building, or a combination of renovation and additions. The city and state also want to see Pittsfield High School renovated as well, which would be a separate project.

If elected to the state Legislature next week, the Democratic nominee in the upcoming 3rd Berkshire District special election vows to keep the high school planning process moving forward as Pittsfield's state representative.

"The SBA is driving this, so we need a voice in Boston to keep the project on track and reduce the number of delays that occur in a bureaucracy," she said. "If we get bogged down with the state, they will take the money and build somewhere else."

Improving the Pittsfield public school system was one of several issues Farley-Bouvier addressed in a recent meeting with Eagle editors prior to the 3rd Berkshire election on Oct. 18. The Pittsfield native and former educator is campaigning in a four-way race to succeed Christopher Speranzo, who resigned in July to become clerk magistrate in the Central Berkshire District Court. She will square off against Republican Mark Jester, Green-Rainbow Party nominee Mark C. Miller and independent candidate Pam Malumphy. The 3rd Berkshire District encompasses all but two of Pittsfield's 14 precincts: Ward 1B and Ward 5B.

Farley-Bouvier, 47, is a Pittsfield native who spent 20 years in education as a teacher locally, elsewhere in New England and in Central America. She worked six years for the Literacy Network of South Berkshire before becoming an aide to Mayor James M. Ruberto in March 2010. The Democrat resigned from her City Hall job when she announced her candidacy on Aug. 9.

Farley-Bouvier's political party affiliation has come under fire recently by Malumphy, who claimed her opponent isn't a true Democrat and is hiding her stance on abortion. Personally, Farley-Bouvier said she is against abortion, but accepts current federal law of a woman's right to end an unwanted pregnancy.

"The Democratic Party has a big tent and doesn't keep out differing viewpoints," she said.

Farley-Bouvier noted she does support gay marriage, but casts a wary eye on the casino gambling bill pending on Beacon Hill.

"I will do everything I can to protect Pittsfield from the financial impact of casinos, especially when it comes to our cultural venues," she said.

The other two candidates for 3rd Berkshire District state representative -- Pam Malumphy and Mark Miller -- will be profiled in Tuesday's Eagle.

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"Tricia Farley-Bouvier hosts governor"
By Jonathan Levine, The Pittsfield Gazette, October 10, 2011

Governor Deval Patrick will be "guest of honor" at a Friday, October 14 fundraiser for Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

The pasta dinner for the state representative candidate will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Itam Lodge.

Tickets at the door are $25, $50 and $100 with kids free.

Farley-Bouvier is one of four candidates on the Third Berkshire District ballot.

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Tricia Farley-Bouvier - state rep
By Tricia Farley-Bouvier, The Pittsfield Gazette, September 1, 2011

The people of Pittsfield share the common value of caring for our families. As a child growing up in Pittsfield, I appreciated coming from a large family. As an adult, I appreciate even more how my family shaped how I now raise my own three children and how I will approach the job as your state representative.

Education: My father, Dr. George T. Farley, taught me the value of education. He learned that a solid educational background was the foundation upon which a person could build a successful future. He had been raised by a single mom who, among other things, cleaned houses to raise her son. With the help of the GI bill, he became the first in his family to go to college. He went on to get both a MA and Doctorate in Education and was a beloved principal in the Pittsfield Schools for nearly 30 years. Education makes stronger individuals, stronger families and stronger communities. As your state representative, I will support funding for public education, from pre-Kindergarten through college.

Small Business: My grandfather taught me the importance of small businesses in a community. George Nesbit ran Nesbit’s Market on Tyler Street for years. He was responsible for running an enterprise while providing for his family in difficult economic times. Several of his grandchildren, who now run small businesses of their own, emulate his example of treating customers and employees both fairly and honestly. As your state representative, I recognize that small businesses are the cornerstone of economic prosperity. I will support businesses that create local jobs through aid for workforce development, targeted tax incentives, and upgrading technology infrastructure.

Responsible Budgeting: The most important lesson of family is that we take care of one another, especially our seniors. We need to protect pensions, curb our over-reliance on property taxes, and give seniors a meaningful seat at the table when negotiating health insurance. As is the case in most families, ours is stronger because of our support for one another in times of great joy and tragedy. The same can be said for communities; a society is stronger when the members of that society invest in the well being of all. As your state representative, I will support seniors and the safety net programs that are designed to support families.

What sets me apart from my opponents? Experience. With 20+ years of experience being a teacher, parent, and teacher-trainer, I have the understanding to know how to advocate for improved education. As a two-term city councilor, I have a record of legislative accomplishments, including initiating the Board of Health, spearheading a strong ordinance to keep Adult Entertainment out of Pittsfield, and bringing sensible management to the Sonsini Animal Shelter. Most importantly, I have the experience of being part of a team that brought civility and collaboration back to Pittsfield government. Through our hard work, Pittsfield has now become a destination for tourists, businesses, and families.

I respectfully ask for your vote so I can be a strong Voice for Pittsfield Families.

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"Farley-Bouvier focused on issues"
The Berkshire Eagle, Letter to the Editor, October 13, 2011

Tricia Farley-Bouvier is my choice in the upcoming 3rd Berkshire state representative election.

Tricia is focused on the important issues of our district -- jobs, education and the need for honest, transparent government.

Tricia works collaboratively; she takes the time to hear from all sides on the issue at hand, then makes a decision based on what she believes is in the best interest of the community.

As a city councilor, Tricia was a leader in writing the legislation that prevented strip clubs from opening in Pittsfield, and led the way to creating the city's Board of Health.

She fought to get our school nurses status in the teachers union and has worked (and was the chairperson) for the past several years on the School Building Needs Commission.

Tricia brings her love of Pittsfield and her passion for the community to her work. Please join me in voting for Tricia Farley-Bouvier on Oct. 18.

CAROLYN SIBNER
Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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Tricia Farley-Bouvier, front, answers a question during Thursday’s debate on WBEC-AM radio as her foes in the 3rd Berkshire District race, left to right, Pam Malumphy, Mark Miller and Mark Jester listen. (Ben Garver / Berkshire Eagle Staff)

"Farley-Bouvier, Malumphy exchange verbal jabs in final debate"
By Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle Staff, October 14, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- In their final public debate before Tuesday's 3rd Berkshire District special election, two of the four candidates to fill former state Rep. Christopher Speranzo's seat in Boston traded sharply worded personal attacks on truthfulness in campaigning.

In her opening statement during a live, one-hour radio appearance on WBEC-AM Thursday morning, Democrat Tricia Farley-Bouvier asserted that she has "run a positive campaign and knocked on thousands of doors throughout the community."

She cited Pittsfield voters' worries over jobs and schools, arguing that, based on "hundreds of one-on-one conversations," they want "an end to negative campaigning that they see around them every day."

Independent candidate Pam Malumphy responded by declaring that "claiming to run a positive campaign does not mean it was a truthful one."

Referring to Malumphy's recent criticism over her decision to send two of her three children to Lenox public schools, Farley-Bouvier asserted that "I have not let the negative campaigning get to me. I've kept on my message and I'll continue to keep my campaign a positive one."

Later in the hour, Farley-Bouvier decried "an awful lot of negative attacks based on a family decision we made about our children based on their educational needs and nothing else. We feel that we have the right to do that, and that does not take away one bit from all the time I've spent working for education in this city."

Malumphy acknowledged that "Tricia is obviously talking about me as the candidate who is attacking her."

"Running a positive campaign doesn't mean you're running a truthful campaign," Malumphy went on. "Telling the truth shouldn't be seen as an attack or being negative." She described school-choice, resulting in an outflow of hundreds of students from Pittsfield, as a key issue.

Addressing Farley-Bouvier directly, Malumphy asserted that "no one is attacking your choice to have your children go to another district. I would defend you to the death to do what's best for your children. But you can't, at the same time, be running for public office as someone who is speaking as an advocate for Pittsfield's public schools and sending your kids to another district."

Malumphy also criticized Farley-Bouvier for "lack of communication" to the public during her five years as chair of the School Building Needs Commission, which was weighing the best solution for renovating or replacing the city's high schools.

"It's why I was removed by you and the mayor from that commission last year because I kept repeatedly saying the same thing -- why are we not involving the community in this conversation...it is the single biggest complaint from the voters I'm talking to," Malumphy said.

Ratcheting up the rhetoric, Malumphy argued: "If you can't make that connection, Tricia, between being this vocal advocate who is shoving a philosophy of education down our throats while sending your kids to another district, I can't understand why you can't get that disconnect because every voter in the city of Pittsfield does."

In her final statement, Malumphy returned to the theme, declaring that "convoluting and contorting is what's turning people off about elected officials."

Summing up her campaign, Farley-Bouvier depicted herself as "the best candidate with the leadership style that will do what Pittsfield needs. ... We have to leave the politics of ‘no' behind us and pull this community together by working as a team to solve the problems of Pittsfield."

She also described herself as a "proud Democrat because we share core values, better jobs for working families, the key to our future is education. Democrats believe we take care of each other."

Republican Mark Jester acknowledged that he's "not a professional politician" but felt "this is a great opportunity to get somebody down there who's not your usual politician, to get some refreshing ideas coming out of Pittsfield instead of the same-old, same-old."

Mark Miller, the Green-Rainbow candidate, called it "the party of the future rather than the party of the status quo and the past" and said his platform is based on "new jobs in a new economy, because the old economy is going away." He advocated "clean government including fair taxes, single-payer health insurance and a commitment to public education at all levels."

Voters in most of Pittsfield, except Wards 1-B and 5-B, will go to the polls next Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to choose among the four candidates.

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"Final push in 3rd Berkshire rep. race"
By Ned Oliver, Berkshire Eagle Staff, October 15, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- With the 3rd Berkshire District special election just days away, Democratic Party operatives from across the state are descending on the Berkshires to help make a final push for their candidate, Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

In addition to the influx of manpower, Farley-Bouvier said she plans to spend $20,000 on her campaign to become the city’s next representative in the Statehouse -- twice as much as her nearest competitors.

The state Democratic Party is also pouring money into the district, running radio advertisements featuring Gov. Deval Patrick and providing boots-on-the-ground support to launch an intense door-to-door, get-out-the-vote effort.

Opponents say they’re undaunted by Farley-Bouvier’s big budget and high-profile endorsements.

"Does it concern me that she’s spent twice as much money? No. If it takes that much money to beat me, that’s fine. It tells you something," said Republican candidate Mark Jester, who said he expects by the special election on Tuesday he’ll have spent a little more than $10,000 on advertisements, signs and other campaign materials.

Green-Rainbow candidate Mark Miller, on the other hand, blasted Democrats for relying on corporate dollars to run their campaigns.

"It skews taxing and spending, and it effects what businesses get tax breaks; these corporations are buying our public policy," said Miller. "If [Tricia] thinks it’s necessary to take this money and support, fine, but it will make her beholden to [Democratic leadership] and corporate interests."

Miller said the Green-Rainbow Party refuses to accept donations from corporations. Miller is self-funding his campaign with a $10,000 loan, according to the latest report from the state campaign finance office. By the end of the race, however, he said he expects to have recouped at least half that amount through donations from supporters.

Farley-Bouvier said her donations don’t come because they influence decisions, they come because supporters "believe a candidate shares a vision."

She said it’s disingenuous for Miller to disparage her fundraising efforts when he’s wealthy enough to finance his own campaign.

"I’m a middle-class person who needed support from people in the community to launch and run a good campaign," said Farley-Bouvier.

Miller was unapologetic about his decision to invest his own money in his campaign.

"We’re out to win, not just to get a few good ideas across. We’re up against big money; rather than just rolling over, we’re trying to do something about it," he said.

Independent candidate Pam Malumphy is trailing her three opponents in fundraising. As of Sept. 30, her campaign had raised $4,683. But she says more donations have rolled in since then, and she was able to save a large amount of money by recycling campaign signs used in her last run for public office.

Malumphy said she’s not worried about finances. She said that, in the end, the election will be about who was able to connect, face-to-face, with the most voters.

Malumphy’s three opponents seem to agree. All said their biggest plan for this weekend is to knock on as many doors as possible.

But some of the candidates will have outside help. Miller said Green-Rainbow supporters from across Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut were planning to come up to help with the final campaign effort.

Likewise, Farley-Bouvier is benefiting from teams of canvassers provided by the state Democratic Party.

Since it’s a special election, Tuesday’s contest to fill the 3rd Berkshire seat is not competing with other local or statewide elections. And Democrats statewide are giving it their attention. Last month, the party lost a seat in the House in a special election for state representative from Bristol’s 12th District, traditionally a Democratic stronghold.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo has also offered free transportation for House members who wish to travel from Boston to campaign in the city for Farley-Bouvier.

And on Friday, Gov. Deval Patrick appeared at a fundraiser for Farley-Bouvier in Pittsfield.

Farley-Bouvier said she’s received support from a broad range of people. She said there’s nothing insidious about all the out-of-town support she’s receiving. In fact, she said she was floored by the governor’s decision to come down and campaign on her behalf.

"It’s pretty cool to have someone of his caliber believing in me," she said. "It means a lot to me."

Candidates on the issues

Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Democrat

Jobs: In addition to the important work of reducing energy and health care costs and continuing to invest in work force development, I plan to continue work on the plan to bring fiber-optic Internet connections to every business and resident in Pittsfield. It will benefit every business in Pittsfield and will be a key recruiting tool in bringing new businesses to the city.

Housatonic River cleanup: I believe a thoughtful, targeted approach is the best course of action. In the rest of the river, we should be identifying hotspots of PCBs and removing them using the best technology available at that time.

Open government: I believe that transparency in government is essential so I am in favor of expanding the open meeting law.

Mark Jester, Republican

Jobs: I want to ensure that regulations and fees on small businesses, which seem like a good idea in Boston and for Boston, stop inhibiting job growth in Pittsfield. Additionally, I want to see more construction jobs in Pittsfield. We have a need for more infrastructure repair. Many of our roads and bridges are in disrepair. There’s state money that needs to be here. I’m not asking for a handout, I’m demanding our fair share.

Housatonic River cleanup: As the president of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, I have been involved with the clean-up process from the beginning. We quickly realized that the proposed cleanups would in fact destroy the critical habitat further down the river. I support the Environmentally Sensitive Approach to the cleanup.

Open Government: I think open government/records laws should be expanded. There is a culture in Boston that is not good for us here in Pittsfield.

Pam Malumphy, independent

Jobs: I’ve learned that there’s nothing more important than supporting the creation and nourishment of small business. I’d like to create a matching grant program that would partner the state with the GE Economic Development Fund so we can provide either low-interest loans or grants to local businesses that need an extra push.

Housatonic River cleanup: Although I appreciate the low-impact approach, it doesn’t go as far as it need to. And I’m concerned that the high-impact cleanup is not seeking alternatives to dredging. I would very much advocate for a less-invasive alternative to dredging and I would very much advocate for those alternative to be veted going forward.

Open government: I absolutely think the open meeting and records laws should be extended to cover the state Legislature. What does open government mean if it’s not subject to the open meeting law?

Mark Miller, Green-Rainbow Party

Jobs: I would seek a collaborative effort including local businesses, municipal leaders and state officials to draft and implement a jobs plan for Pittsfield. It might include a citywide contest similar to the countywide Operation Jump Start contest I led in the early 1990s as editor of The Eagle.

Housatonic River cleanup: I await the release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan this fall and anticipate favoring it over the minimalist plan backed by GE and 1Berkshire. I see the EPA’s mission as geared toward real river and floodplain cleanup for posterity. I see the GE/1Berkshire plan as primarily aimed at keeping GE’s costs at a minimum.

Open government: Extending the scope of the open-meeting and public-records laws would be a good start toward informing the public about what goes on in state government. Transparency cannot make all office-holders honest or competent, but can lead to greater public participation and better government.

-- Compiled by Ned Oliver

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"Farley-Bouvier in 3rd Berkshire"
Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Eagle, October 16, 2011

Residents of the 3rd Berkshire District need a state representative who is open and accessible, aware of the particular needs of Pittsfield, knowledgeable about government and willing to fight for the interests of the city and Berkshires as a whole in the Statehouse. All four candidates in Tuesday's special elections have their strengths, but on balance, Democratic candidate Tricia Farley-Bouvier is the best choice for this important position.

For the past nine years, since she got involved in city politics with the Save Our Schools program, Ms. Farley-Bouvier has not only worked hard for Pittsfield she has worked hard with others, and the latter quality will benefit her as a state legislator from a western district. As a city councilor, she was a stalwart proponent of the downtown projects whose success is a key to Pittsfield's resurgence, and she continued those efforts as public affairs coordinator for Mayor James Ruberto. Her six years with the School Building Needs Commission have given her insight that will be valuable for her as a state representative as Pittsfield works with the state to determine the future of its high schools.

Independent candidate Pam Malumphy has criticized Ms. Farley-Bouvier because she and her husband send two of their three children to public schools in Lenox, but we see this as a personal issue and one that does not reflect poorly on Ms. Farley-Bouvier's opinion of and dedication to the Pittsfield public school system. Ms. Malumphy has also drawn attention to her opponent's social conservatism, and indeed, Ms. Farley-Bouvier's opposition to the right to abortion is not a mainstream Democratic view. The Eagle editorial page is pro-choice, but we take Ms. Farley-Bouvier's word that she will not go to Boston as an anti-abortion crusader and that she will support funding for relevant social programs like those dedicated to reducing teen pregnancy. This election is essentially about the economy and education, and we regard Ms. Farley-Bouvier as the strongest candidate overall on these issues.

Ms. Malumphy, who was regional director for the Mass. Office of Business and Development for Western Massachusetts, brings strong economic credentials to the table. She has worked with area businesses and would serve as an effective spokesperson for them in Boston. As a city councilor and a member of the School Building Needs Commission, she gained insight into the issues specific to Pittsfield, including those involving education.

We believe, however, that Ms. Farley-Bouvier has been more effective at working with other officials in bringing goals to fruition. Ms. Malumphy was a Democrat before taking unenrolled status 21 2 years ago and has expressed a desire to caucus with majority Democrats in the House. There is no guarantee, however, that this will happen. What has been going on in Boston regarding casino legislation is a textbook example of the perils of one-party rule, and all of the candidates have justly criticized Democrats for operating behind closed doors. Pragmatically, however, Pittsfield must have a presence behind those closed doors and Ms. Farley-Bouvier is the only candidate of the four who can guarantee it.

Republican candidate Mark Jester says he will be a mediator and conciliator in Boston, and with 15 years under his belt as president of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, a group that includes a wide variety of interests, we believe him. He promises to go beyond party labels to pursue what is best for the district.

Mr. Jester, however, is not nearly as knowledgeable on specific issues as are Ms. Farley-Bouvier and Ms. Malumphy. In a meeting with Eagle editors, he proposed lowering the sales tax to 5 percent but could not say how that lost revenue would be made up, or what programs would be cut because of that lost revenue. Everyone wants their taxes cut, but that is the easy part. Mr. Jester needed to better flesh out his stances during the campaign.

Mark Miller, who ran for this seat a year ago, was again an enthusiastic advocate for the positions of the Green-Rainbow Party. He was less effective at explaining how he would be a better representative for Pittsfield than his opponents. His victory would indeed be a landmark for his party, but that is of no interest to Pittsfield, and most or many of the positions advocated by the Green-Rainbow Party are supported by the Democratic Party. Mr. Miller said he would be an independent figure in the Statehouse, but that independence could also lead to isolation, which Pittsfield and Berkshire County, with its four House seats, cannot afford.

We thank all four candidates for giving the district the campaign it didn't get last fall when incumbent and now departed state representative Christopher Speranzo spent his time ducking Mr. Miller. We believe Ms. Farley-Bouvier will be the open and accessible representative her predecessor was not, and will be a wise and effective advocate for the city and region. The Eagle endorses Tricia Farley-Bouvier for election as state representative from the 3rd Berkshire District.

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"Farley-Bouvier wins 3rd Berkshire District race"
Berkshire Eagle Staff, October 18, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- Tricia Farley-Bouvier is headed to the Statehouse.

City voters have elected the Democratic nominee as the new state representative from the 3rd Berkshire District during Tuesday's special election to fill the vacant seat.

Farley-Bouvier, who garnered 1,940 votes, edged out Green-Rainbow Party candidate Mark C. Miller, who notched 1,748 votes in the four-way race. Independent candidate Pam Malumphy was third with 1,325 votes, and Republican Mark Jester came in last with 899 votes.

A total of 5,922 ballots were cast out of 24,791 registered voters -- a 24 percent voter turnout, according to City Clerk Linda M. Tyer.

All but two of Pittsfield's 14 precincts -- Ward 1B and Ward 5 B -- make up the state legislative district. Christopher Speranzo left the position in July to become the clerk magistrate in the Central Berkshire District Court.

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Tricia Farley-Bouvier celebrates her victory Tuesday in the the 3rd Berkshire District race for state representative with her family at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Farley-Bouvier narrowly edged out Green-Rainbow Party candidate Mark C. Miller for the seat, winning by 192 votes. (Ben Garver / Berkshire Eagle Staff)

"Farley-Bouvier edges out Miller for 3rd Berkshire seat"
By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, October 19, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- Tricia Farley-Bouvier is headed to the Statehouse.

City voters chose the Democratic nominee as the new state representative from the 3rd Berkshire District during Tuesday's special election to fill the vacant seat.

Farley-Bouvier, who garnered 1,940 votes, edged out Green-Rainbow Party candidate Mark C. Miller, who notched 1,748 votes in the four-way race. Independent candidate Pam Malumphy was third with 1,325 votes, and Republican Mark Jester came in last with 899 votes.

A total of 5,922 ballots were cast out of 24,791 registered voters -- a 24 percent voter turnout, according to City Clerk Linda M. Tyer.

All but two of Pittsfield's 14 precincts -- Ward 1B and Ward 5B -- make up the state legislative district. Christopher Speranzo left the position in July to become the clerk magistrate in the Central Berkshire District Court.

Farley-Bouvier's 192-vote victory was her second consecutive close finish in a month, winning the Democratic primary on Sept. 20 by 196 votes. Did she expect another tight race?

"I didn't have a sense of what the final figures would be," she said. "I'm happy I came out on top."

The former Pittsfield city councilor and aide to Mayor James M. Ruberto has to wait until state election officials certify Tuesday's results before she is sworn into office. She expects that could take up to two weeks.

Nevertheless, Farley-Bouvier will begin preparing for her new political career on Beacon Hill.

"I have a lot to learn," she said. "I said I would hit the ground running and I wasn't kidding."

Meanwhile, Miller said he wasn't surprised at his second-place showing, given his impressive showing last year. The first-time political candidate lost to Speranzo by 981 votes in the regularly scheduled 3rd Berkshire election.

He felt a four-way race hurt his second attempt to capture the seat.

"I got a lot of Republican votes last time, because they didn't want to see a Democrat return to Boston," Miller said.

The former executive editor of The Eagle isn't sure if he'll make a third run at the 3rd Berkshire seat in 2012 when the entire state Legislature is up for election.

"I can't really say as I have to think of my family, which has been through a lot since last year.

However, Jester said another 3rd Berkshire campaign next year is possible. He said he was encouraged by the support he received in both the primary and Tuesday's run-off. The real estate agent had to mount a write-in campaign last month in order to win the GOP nomination.

"I went from 200 votes to 900 votes in very little time," he said. "My supporters are encouraging me to run and it's something I will seriously consider."

As for Malumphy, she wouldn't comment on whether another 3rd Berkshire race is in her political future. The former Pittsfield city councilor and mayoral candidate did say she was pleased with her latest campaign.

"We ran a good race, a great race," she said. "I'm appreciative of my supporters and proud of what we did."

When asked by an Eagle reporter if a lack of party backing hurt the independent candidate she said, "The money and resources going to the Democratic nominee proved successful."

To reach Dick Lindsay: rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com, or (413) 496-6233.

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State Rep.-elect Tricia Farley-Bouvier listens intently during the celebration of the opening of the center. She spoke at the gathering in her first official act as a state representative-elect. (Ben Garver / Berkshire Eagle Staff)

"Rep.-elect Farley-Bouvier faces divided constituency"
Berkshire Eagle, October 20, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- In her first official act as Pittsfield’s state-representative-elect, a beaming Tricia Farley-Bouvier spoke at the opening of the Education Center at Conte on Wednesday.

But as much as Farley-Bouvier was thrilled to win the seat during the 3rd Berkshire District special election on Tuesday, she acknowledged it will be a challenge to bring together the needs and desires of a divided constituency that elected her by only 192 votes.

All told, Farley-Bouvier was elected with 33 percent of the vote. A voter turnout of 24 percent means just 8 percent of registered voters in Pittsfield elected to send her to Beacon Hill.

Farley-Bouvier pledged to work with her former opponents, and to draw on their knowledge of the various issues they championed.

"It’s my job to be there representative for the whole district; the people who voted for me, the people who didn’t vote for me and even the people who didn’t vote," Farley-Bouvier told an Eagle reporter after the opening of the educational collaborative at the Conte Federal Building in Pittsfield. "That’s my job and I certainly intend to do it."

Farley-Bouvier edged out Green-Rainbow candidate Mark Miller with 1,940 votes to Miller’s 1,748. Meanwhile, independent candidate Pam Malumphy received 1,325 votes. Republican Mark Jester won 899 votes.

Farley-Bouvier stopped short of saying she’d adopt some of her former opponents’ positions, but she said that, for example, she plans to work with Miller on environmental issues and health care.

"It’s about learning from them the things that they’ve become particularly immersed in, and working with them to help communicate with people and represent different ideas," said Farley-Bouvier.

Miller said he’s still considering a run during the next regularly scheduled election in November 2012. But he said he was open to working with his former -- and possibly future -- opponent.

"I think it makes a lot of sense to do that, to reach out," he said. "I think it’s fairly standard and don’t think it’s just rhetoric, either."

Members of the all-Democrat Berkshire delegation welcomed Farley-Bouvier’s election.

Her victory means the Berkshire delegation is back to full strength, which will be crucial come the first of the year, according to state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli.

Pignatelli, the dean of the delegation, which also includes state representatives Gailanne M. Cariddi and Paul W. Mark and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, cites two crucial issues lawmakers will deal with when the new legislative session begins in January.

"Pension reform and health care cost reform are two matters the Berkshires needs a full voting membership," Pignatelli said. "Our voices must be heard on these two important issues."

In order for Farley-Bouvier to have an immediate impact on Beacon Hill, Pignatelli urged her to find a mentor and pace herself.

"I leaned on [former state representatives] Dan Bosley and Peter Larkin when I first got in nine years ago," he said. "And remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint."

Nevertheless, Cariddi has found having a constant presence in the Statehouse has been key to her first year in office. Last fall, Cariddi, along with Mark, were elected to their initial two-year term.

"Attend as many [legislative] hearings as you can, especially on items important to your constituents," she said. "I’ve already done that dozens of times."

Cariddi believes Farley-Bouvier will have one advantage she didn’t in order to get acclimated to being a state lawmaker: The newest state lawmakers represents one community compared to the 11 in Cariddi’s 1st Berkshire District.

"That will allow Tricia to delve into constituent issues more deeply," Cariddi said.

Farley-Bouvier said that in coming weeks she’ll be officially sworn in to her new role, but didn’t have an exact date.

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"Farley-Bouvier eyes key votes"
By Ned Oliver, Berkshire Eagle Staff, November 15, 2011

PITTSFIELD -- Going into her first full week as Pittsfield’s representative in the Statehouse, Tricia Farley-Bouvier said she’s focused on getting up to speed on major upcoming votes.

Elected during a special election in October, Farley-Bouvier will be weighing in this week on a number of hot button issues, from casino gambling to congressional redistricting.

Like her fellow Berkshire County legislators, she said she plans to vote for the redistricting plan released last week, which combines the Berkshires with a Springfield-based district currently represented by Rep. Richard Neal.

On casino gambling, Farley-Bouvier said she won’t be sure which way to vote until she sees what kind of protections for cultural nonprofits are included in the final text of the legislation, which is currently being debated behind closed doors by a House and Senate conference committee.

Sworn in Wednesday, Farley-Bouvier made her first vote Friday, voting in favor of approving rules of order for debating the redistricting process.

She has yet to be assigned to any legislative committees, but said she expects appointments to come soon.

She said she’s been overwhelmed by the warm welcome she’s received at the Statehouse.

"I was struck with the camaraderie and the friendliness of everyone," said Farley-Bouvier. "How much they welcomed me, and particularly my family, was very gratifying."

Farley-Bouvier brought 15 members of the Pittsfield step group Youth Alive, who performed in the House’s member lounge before the new representative was sworn in by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The ceremony was also attended by House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

DeLeo commended Farley-Bouvier.

"Representative Farley-Bouvier’s enthusiasm is tangible," he said in a statement. "Her strong leadership skills and knowledge of her district will make her an outstanding advocate for the people of the 3rd Berkshire District."

Making contact

To contact Tricia Farley-Bouvier with legislative issues:

Boston office:
Statehouse, Room 156
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2240

District office (temporary):
113 Oliver Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 281-7415

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"Mass. House, Senate roll call vote on casino bill"
Boston.com - November 15, 2011

BOSTON — Here's how members of the Massachusetts House and Senate voted Tuesday on a final compromise bill to license the construction of three resort casinos and a slots parlor.

The House voted 118-33 to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on a 23-14 vote.

A "yes" vote was in favor of the bill; a "no" vote was in opposition to the bill.

HOUSE:

Gailanne M. Cariddi, D-North Adams - Y

Trisha Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield - Y

Paul W. Mark, D-Hancock - Y

William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox - N

SENATE:

Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfied - N

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"Farley-Bouvier Appointed to Legislative Committees"
Pittsfield.com - December 08, 2011

BOSTON — State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, has been named to the Joint Committees on Elder Services and on Children and Families, and the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change by the House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

The Committee on Elder Affairs is tasked with considering all matters concerning the elderly, handicapped elders, nursing facilities, prescription drugs, reverse mortgages, senior pharmacy and such other matters as may be referred.

"This assignment gives me a great opportunity to work with elders throughout my district," said Farley-Bouvier. "I look forward to tackling issues to help protect and assist seniors here and across the commonwealth."

It shall be the duty of the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to consider all matters concerning mental health and public health issues involving children, child nutrition, homelessness and homeless shelters, public welfare, children, handicapped children and adults, mental retardation, and such other matters as may be referred.

"I am particularly excited to put my professional background and skill set to work on this committee," said Farley-Bouvier. "Ensuring the well-being of children and those with disabilities is a primary responsibility of government."

The House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change has the duty of considering all matters related to the commonwealth's climate policy, including but not limited to greenhouse gas emissions, the climate impacts of renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The committee shall also serve in an advisory capacity to other joint committees that consider legislation with significant climate impacts.

"The commonwealth's climate policy is an incredibly important emerging issue and I am honored to be asked to work on it," she said. "The commonwealth's climate policy will have a great effect on many different aspects of our government and lives."

Farley-Bouvier was elected as representative of the 3rd Berkshire District, which encompasses Pittsfield, in a special election in October.

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"Seniors get advocate in Farley-Bouvier"
By Ned Oliver, Berkshire Eagle Staff, December 18, 2011

With her appointment to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Elder Services, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier says she’ll be pushing her peers in the Statehouse to restore funding to local senior centers.

"It’s the first thing I’ll be going after when it comes to budgeting," said the recently elected 3rd Berkshire District representative. She said the centers, which are largely funded through state grants, have taken a hit during recent budget cycles.

Farley-Bouvier officially took office on Nov. 9, but only recently recieved her committee appointments from House leadership.

In addition to her position on the Joint Committee on Elder Services, Farley-Bouvier was appointed to the Joint Committee on Children and Families, as well as the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

While Farley-Bouvier said she appreciates the range of topics offered by her various appointments, she said she’s most excited about her opportunity to advocate on behalf of local seniors.

"I’ve worked so closely with seniors in the city for the last 10 years," she said. In addition to spending three years working on the board of the Berkshire’s Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Farley-Bouvier said she regularly spends time visiting the Pittsfield Senior Center.

Farley-Bouvier said she’s been focusing on making contact with her constituents in recent weeks.

She said she’s been able to wind down some since her first two whirlwind weeks in office, which coincided with the end of the Legislature’s formal session for the year and included numerous high-profile votes, ranging from the approval of casino gambling to the passage of redrawn congressional maps.

"The votes came fast and furious," she said. "But now I’m really concentrating on meeting with people in the district to better understand the needs here and how I can partner with them to make Pittsfield a stronger place."

Aside from state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli’s appointment to the influental House Ways and Means committee, there were no other major changes in the Berkshire delegations various appointments.

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State Sen. Benjamin Downing holds a town hall meeting at EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne on Monday. (Stephanie Zollshan / Berkshire Eagle Staff)

"Delegates look to reverse senior cuts"
By Amanda Korman, Berkshire Eagle Staff, February 7, 2012

PITTSFIELD -- Several local delegates said they are ready to go to bat on Beacon Hill for the growing senior citizen population in the Berkshires that faces cuts to some of its key programs.

Both a proposed decrease to Meals on Wheels coffers and a dip that is already in effect in the funding councils on aging receive per capita could put a dent in social services for the 60-and-over set in the county, local leaders say.

Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed budget contains an approximately $1.5 million funding decrease to the elder nutrition program, a reduction state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, said she will fight to undo in order to prevent the loss of about a fourth of the 1,000 free meals produced every weekday in the Berkshires.

Members of the state Legislature will input and debate their budget recommendations over the next three to four months.

Meals on Wheels serves at sites throughout the Berkshires as well as through home delivery, Farley-Bouvier said, during which volunteers also do wellness checks on the elderly recipients.

"Whenever you see cuts in tough budget times, it seems to go in these human services areas, and of course those are the most vulnerable people," Farley-Bouvier said, noting that many senior citizens live in poverty.

Farley-Bouvier, a member of the Legislature's Elder Affairs Committee, also said she would like to see the amount of money granted to councils on aging keep pace with the growing numbers of people age 60 and older. Although Massachusetts' total spending in the line item increased slightly for the current fiscal year, the amount municipal groups received per senior dropped from $7 to $6.25.

Councils on aging conduct various social and outreach programs for seniors including meals, transportation, health screenings and health insurance information.

Farley-Bouvier did not yet know what other budget cuts she would suggest in order to offset the restoration of those funds.

At a town hall-style meeting at EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne on Monday, State Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, said he and the other state representatives in the area are hoping to reverse the proportional decrease in money allotted to councils on aging.

"Everyone in the Berkshire delegation was concerned about the change in funding," Downing told a group of about a dozen senior citizens at the Pittsfield facility. "It's certainly something we have concerns about and are going to try to do everything we can to get that restored."

Diane Weinstein, director of EPOCH and a member of the Pittsfield Council on Aging, said the councils on aging rely on the so-called "formula grants" as a major part of their annual budgets.

"Nobody wants to think about any age group of persons' value going down by 75 cents a head in a year," Weinstein said.

Local advocates are already feeling the squeeze on the formula grant rate reduction. Charis Keeler, director of Lanesborough's Council on Aging, said that because her program is small, "Any little cut, to us, is a big cut."

The loss of 75 cents per senior has sliced into the council's ability to put out a quarterly newsletter, Keeler said, the only way she can communicate with the town's approximately 750 people over age 60.

The council also would like to replace some of the fold-up furniture in its community room with more comfortable chairs, but may not be able to without a turnaround in the budget situation.

To reach Amanda Korman: akorman@berkshireeagle.com (413) 496-6243

By the numbers

Elder nutrition program ...

FY 2012: $6,325,328

Governor's proposal for FY 2013: $4,810,824

Grants to councils on aging ...

FY 2012: $8,254,327

Mass. Council on Aging request for FY 2013 to restore previous "per senior" levels: $9,300,000

Governor's proposal for FY 2013: $8,433,748

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"Reps push to keep funding for senior meals"
By Ned Oliver, Berkshire Eagle Staff, February 22, 2012

DALTON -- Helga Knappe has lived in Dalton since 1950. The 84-year-old says she’s seen firsthand the importance of state-funded elder services like Meals on Wheels.

That’s why she’s worried about Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to cut funding for senior nutrition programs.

"The need is dire," she said. "There seems to be an increase in people coming in for food, too. ... How do you want us to deprive some of the elders?"

Knappe and advocates like her across the county are pushing their state representatives to prevent funding cutbacks. In turn, members of the Berkshire legislative delegation are pledging to take the fight to Boston.

"The overarching theme is that, these people have worked hard their whole lives, and it’s not right to make these cuts," said Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, after a forum Tuesday at the Dalton Senior Center. "For some people, these programs provide the only nutritious meals they get."

Patrick’s budget contains a $1.5 million funding decrease to the elder nutrition program, which could mean the loss of about a fourth of the 1,000 free meals produced and delivered every weekday to seniors in the Berkshires.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, already have said they are working to restore funding.

Downing, who held his own open forum Tuesday in North Adams, said concern about elder services has been a common theme as he travels his district talking to constituents.

He said he supports returning the senior program funding to the same levels as years past.

As currently proposed by Patrick, local councils on aging are facing a cut of 75 cents per senior. Currently, they receive $6.25, down from $7 the year before.

Mark and Downing both said other common concerns shared by voters include the typical municipal worries about cuts to local aid. And a theme new to this year, they said, centers around Patrick’s proposal to shift control of Berkshire Community College to a Boston-based board, a prospect the representatives say locals have found unsettling.

The representatives said that, in all cases, it’s easier to get their colleagues in Boston to take their concerns to heart when they’re backed by comments and petitions from constituents.

"The more people that call, write, email, send us petitions, the easier it is to go into the governor’s office and say, look at this, it means something," Mark said.

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