The former mayor of North Adams, Massachusetts is seeking to regain the seat after a 26-year run and six years out of office. John Barrett served from 1984 until 2009 when he was defeated by current Mayor Richard Alcombright. Barrett has been largely silent about his campaign since taking out nominating papers earlier this month. In his most extensive comments to date, this morning he spoke to WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief Jim Levulis about his decision to run for mayor once again.
Barrett is facing three-term incumbent mayor Richard Alcombright and artist and real estate developer Eric Rudd in a preliminary election September 22nd. The primary will determine which two candidates will face off in November for a two-year term.