Issues dominating the campaigns of each are similar: the economy, specifically jobs, state investment in infrastructure and education, and reducing college graduates' debt.
Incumbent state Rep. William Pignatelli, left, is being challenged for his 4th Berkshire District seat by Lee Scott Laugenour.
LEE – It will be deja vu Nov. 6 when voters in the 4th Berkshire District cast their ballots for state representative.
Incumbent state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, a Democrat, is again facing opposition from Green-Rainbow Party candidate Lee Scott Laugenour. It is Laugenour’s second consecutive attempt to replace Pignatelli, who is seeking his sixth two-year term.
Issues dominating the campaigns of each are similar: the economy, specifically jobs, state investment in infrastructure and education, and reducing college graduates' debt.
“The state’s income is growing so I think Massachusetts is positioned to move forward,” said Pignatelli. “But, this district, like the state in general, is seeing jobs decrease,” he said.
“Continued state efforts to rebuild our infrastructure will create jobs. That is our potential jobs bill. Roadwork and bridges will employ lots of people,” he said.
Pignatelli said the state is addressing the physical needs in education. “Probably every state college campus has some kind of work being done. We now need to address student debt and help our students with financial aid. We need to provide resources to our state colleges that will help students with the financial burden after graduation. Student debt ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 after graduation is unacceptable,” he said.
Laugenour has an additional priority issue; tax relief, especially for “anyone earning less than $90,000 a year. We pay 10 percent in taxes while those earning higher incomes pay only five percent. We need fair taxation and the Legislature is responsible for budgets and taxes,” he said.
Laugenour advocates for more state spending on education and health “to help keep people solvent.
“Jobs, jobs and jobs is again the main issue facing the state but the Legislature must also consider a change in our progressive tax system and ways to help people secure adequate health insurance at an affordable price and ways to help our college graduates,” the challenger said.
As a veteran Legislator, Pignatelli is the ranking Democrat on committees on higher education and cultural development. He is also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Pignatelli is a former Lenox selectman and planning board member and a former Berkshire County commissioner.
Laugenour, an artist and former teacher and former executive for Marriott International, is a member of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority and Lenox Environmental Committee.
The 4th Berkshire District represents 17 communities in Berkshire County along with Blandford, Russell and Tolland, in Hampden County.
About the candidates
William Pignatelli
ÂPosition sought: State Representative, 4th Berkshire District
Age: 53
Address: Lee
Political party: Democrat
Occupation: State representative
Education: Babson College, 2001
Elective experience: State Representative since 2003. Previously Berkshire County commissioner, Lenox selectman, Lenox Planning Board member. Ranking member House committees on higher education and cultural development. Member House Ways and Means Committee.
Lee Scott Laugenour
Position sought: State Representative, 4th Berkshire District
Age: 55
Address: Lenox
Political party: Green-Rainbow Party
Occupation: Former 20-year executive at Marriott International, artist
Education: University of Hawaii, 1980
Elective experience: None. Current member Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Board, Lenox Environmental Committee.002 gubernatorial candidate