I’m a 62 year old resident of Pittsfield and Berkshire County. I moved here in 1973 and have spent the majority of my life in the Berkshires. I fell in love with this area and most of my 7 brothers and sisters reside here. I raised my daughter and two step children, and watched them succeed through our local schools. I attended Crosby Jr High School and Taconic High School.
By bringing awareness and prevention programs to our schools, we can help stop crime before it happens. Children make up 40% of our population but 100% of our future. It is time we give them the knowledge to live a life avoiding crime
Prosecuting career criminals, gang members and gun violence to the fullest extent. At the same time having compassion for good people who got themselves caught up in the criminal justice system.
My office is going to give help through our criminal justice system. Those with mental health, addiction and economic issues will be taken care of instead of ignored. We won’t dismiss these problems, we will find a solution
We have a duty to our local businesses and merchants throughout the county to protect them from theft related issues. We will hold people accountable whether through diversion or prosecution to make the victims whole from these crimes
We will use the Statutory Diversion System currently available but seldom used. This Court Diversion program known as Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 Section 87 which is a pretrial diversion program prior to conviction to avoid convictions for those who deserve to receive the help and services they desperately need. We will use the Valor Act which for certain crimes allows diversion and compassion for our veterans who have served our country honorably, allowing us the rights and freedoms of our constitution. Drug Court will be used to assist the court for the individuals who are eligible for the program to help with substance abuse issues.
In my 28 years of representing the wonderful people of Berkshire County, I have shown compassion and understanding for the delicate issues people find themselves in. I have assisted people with addiction and mental health issues