Editorials

It is not surprising in these tough economic times that Northern Berkshire Healthcare is facing a huge deficit -- primarily because of North Adams Regional Hospital -- and is seeking a partner to help weather the storm (Transcript story, Tuesday, Nov. 17). In fact, the only surprising news may be that the corporation didn’t seek a partner sooner, given the combination of factors outlined by   Full Story

Congratulations to the city of Pittsfield for this week’s long-awaited opening of The Beacon, a $23 million six-screen cinema complex in the renovated Kinnell-Kresge building on North Street. Civic leaders are pinning many hopes on the success of the movie center, which is destined to include retail, restaurants and offices and should provide a much-needed anchor for the downtown.   Full Story

As last week’s resounding victory by Dick Alcombright over Mayor John Barrett III sinks in, most North Adams residents are looking ahead to the future while thanking the longtime incumbent for his many years of service. Say what you will about John Barrett’s style -- and the Transcript has been among his critics in that regard -- there is little disputing his fierce loyalty to the   Full Story

To hear the ranters on the Transcript's Topix forum tell it, Don Sommer, chairman of the Adams Selectmen, wants to tear apart town government and recreate it in his own image - whatever that is. One nameless accuser - on Topix, they are all nameless, more's the pity - goes so far as to wonder when Adams will pull down the McKinley statue on Park Street and replace it with one of Mr.   Full Story