The Pittsfield mayoral race between James Ruberto and Dan Bianchi was remarkably close, and something else was remarkable about it too -- the turnout of voters. One of the most important races in recent city history between two candidates whose vision for the city could not be more different drew 46 percent of registered voters, less than half. Pittsfield is hardly unique in the political apathy of too many of its residents, but this fact doesn't make the turnout any less discouraging.
At some point it will surely be noted that Mayor Ruberto, pending the outcome of the recount requested by Mr. Bianchi, was elected by 25 percent of registered voters as if this somehow cheapens his election. Not voting, however, is not a political statement. To the contrary, it is a statement of apathy and indifference by residents whose lives and futures, and the lives and futures of family members, will be dramatically affected by elections. To put a finer point on it, Mr. Ruberto was supported by roughly 50 percent of the Pittsfield residents worth worrying about, with Mr. Bianchi claiming the other half.
If some residents outside of Ward 4 are unhappy that the ward tipped the election to the incumbent they should in the future turn out like Ward 4 does, which in the case of 4B, was around 60 percent. Ward 4 earned its considerable influence on the mayoral race by going to the polls in greater numbers than other wards.
Supporters
Those who sat home in a race decided by a couple hundred votes between two candidates who surely offered something for everyone given their disparate views forfeited their griping privileges for the next two years. Please do better next time.
Font Resize
