The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.), November 6, 2005, Sunday

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The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts)

November 6, 2005 Sunday

SECTION: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HEADLINE: Arpante advocates for workers

BYLINE: Letters

BODY:
Friday, November 04 To the Editor of THE EAGLE::-
As former business agent of IUE local 255 for more than 10 years with an office in downtown Pittsfield and as a former administrative law judge, I am concerned with the future of downtown Pittsfield. I urge my brothers and sisters to vote for James A. Arpante for councilor-at-large.
I have known Jim Arpante for more than 45 years, and I know what he stands for and what is in his heart. There isn't a candidate running who is a more zealous advocate for the plight of workers of all ages than Jim Arpante.
Jim's participation in labor activities includes a lifetime of union membership: The Musicians' Union, Laborers' Union, Public Employees Federation, Massachusetts Community Council, Massachusetts' Teachers Association, National Education Association, representative to the Labor Management Committee at the New York state attorney general's office, and the adjunct faculty representative to the teachers' union at Berkshire Community College. Also, he was an attorney for the Pittsfield Federation of Musicians.
An example of Jim's dedication to a pursuant cause was his participation in statewide job action in the 1980s. He was the only member of any union in Massachusetts who refused to cross a picket line set up by Berkshire Community College. In addition to being an attorney and college professor, he earned a Master of Science degree in criminal justice in 1976 from American International College. In 1986, he was awarded certification in public sector labor relations at Cornell University. Also, Jim is familiar with the concerns of police, fire, and other sector employees.
Jim's commitment to the wage earner is evident by his philosophy of advocating the cause of the average worker and taxpayer. He stands alone among the candidates and incumbents in his stance against steadily increasing taxes and lack of opportunity for people to earn a living wage, particularly our future generation. The need for restraint in governmental spending and the importance of a safe city is the basis for economic development.
Keep the hope of the average wage earner and future generation alive. Again, I urge my brothers and sisters, in and out of the labor community, to vote for James A. Arpante for councilor-at-large on the Nov. 8 election.
F. BRUCE FERIN
Dalton, Oct. 31, 2005