PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cam Cunningham, a newcomer to Pittsfield with a background in engineering and public service, is running for the Ward 2 seat on the Pittsfield City Council, promising to bring a data-driven, solutions-focused approach to governance.
Appearing on WTBR’s “Morning Drive,” Cunningham told host Bill Sturgeon that his campaign is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service. “My life goal was to help people,” he said. “I am here to empower and to help others who help others.”
Cunningham, who moved to Pittsfield a year ago to work at General Dynamics, described his decision to run as a natural extension of his leadership experience in student government and as a first responder. “From learning my leadership skills at work… and from my discipline and service from ROTC and first responding, I felt I’m cut out for politics,” he said.
A graduate of Clarkson University, Cunningham is also pursuing a master’s in systems engineering, which he says prepares him to tackle complex, multifaceted issues like homelessness and public safety. “There is no silver bullet,” he said. “But there is such thing as enough bronze bullets to solve the situation.”
Cunningham described homelessness as one of the city’s most pressing issues. “I expect the homeless problem to get worse,” he warned, calling for holistic policies rather than reactive ordinances. “We need to solve the whole problem. Let’s consider the whole problem first and let’s write our policy around that.”
He cited plans to create a “causal loop diagram” mapping how homelessness intersects with economics, rent, public perception, and local politics. This systems-thinking approach, he argued, can help identify leverage points to craft more effective interventions.
Cunningham also addressed the recent rollout of fiber infrastructure, expressing interest in ensuring that issues seen in other neighborhoods don’t repeat in Ward 2. “Being proactive about issues is something that also needs to be done,” he said.
When asked about the time commitment of a ward councilor, Cunningham emphasized flexibility and dedication. “I operate all of my communications off of my cell phone,” he said. “I have a lot of time. This is what fulfills me.”
Cunningham acknowledged that his biggest challenge is being new to the city. “A year isn’t enough to meet all the community leaders,” he said. “But I’m working through [that] as fast as I can to learn.”
He concluded by highlighting his commitment to transparency and team-based problem-solving. “If we’re going to try to pass policy and we’re going to try to solve problems, we need to solve the whole problem,” he said. “I will empower not-for-profit leaders, event coordinators, leaders of streets — I will solve this, and if I can’t, I will explain why.”
Cunningham encouraged voters to support him not for ideology, but for approach. “I’m not here to politically grandstand or push some national ideology,” he said. “I’m here because this is a means of service and this is a means of solving my community’s problems.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 7, 2025 broadcast of WTBR’s “Morning Drive” and was written in part using ChatGPT. To view the entire program, visit https://pittsfieldtv.org/program/?id=54070. WTBR’s “Morning Drive” airs weekdays at 7:30 a.m. on 89.7 FM in Pittsfield and 88.1 in Lee; and is simulcast on Access Pittsfield channel 1301. The full interview is available to view through PCTV Select.
