PITTSFIELD, Mass. — City Council President Peter White is seeking another term as an At-Large City Councilor, telling WTBR’s Morning Drive that his continued motivation comes from a deep love for the city and a desire to ensure informed, collaborative governance.
“I love Pittsfield. I love the Berkshires,” White said during the interview with host Bill Sturgeon. “And I just want to do my part to keep things moving in a collegial direction, in a direction that serves the people.”
White, who has served 12 years on the council—including 10 in an at-large capacity—emphasized the importance of thorough research and public engagement in decision-making. “I put in the work, I put in the time, I do my homework,” he said. “You end up delaying votes on things because you still want more information. I feel I’m still being effective in my role, and I think it should be up to the voters if they agree or disagree.”
Among the key issues White said Pittsfield must continue to address are housing affordability, public safety staffing, school system restructuring, and infrastructure investment.
“Housing issues” remain a top concern, White said, pointing to rental costs, aging housing stock, and homelessness. He credited recent progress to funds allocated through ARPA and initiatives by current and former mayors, but warned that “we’re seeing it everywhere” and Pittsfield must continue working “to provide opportunities for people to succeed.”
Public safety and civil service reform also remain top-of-mind. “You’re always going to be looking at retirements and how to do succession planning. And, the civil service piece is going to be a huge part of that conversation. And the unions need to be a part of that conversation,” he said, noting the impact on staffing levels and overtime costs. He called for collaboration with unions and state-level partners to modernize hiring and ensure departments like police and fire are adequately supported.
On economic development, White defended recent council-approved grants to local and incoming businesses, including Elegant Stitches and Jain Americas Inc., a company relocating from Chicopee. “We have to market ourselves. We have to make ourselves attractive to businesses,” he said. “Sometimes you’ve got to give a little to get a lot.”
White also highlighted infrastructure as both a recent success and ongoing challenge. He cited progress on water and sewer upgrades, and praised the city’s newer “fog seal” technique for road preservation. “Our roads continue to get better… We’re finally doing it right.”
Regarding his leadership style, White underscored a focus on collaboration over confrontation. “To me, I like government more than I like politics,” he said. “I try never to use the word ‘complaining’—I say ‘voicing concern.’”
Asked what he finds most rewarding, White said it’s the opportunity to help residents resolve local issues. “It can be a small issue, it can be a larger issue… but when you can solve a neighborhood issue that was really affecting someone’s quality of life, those are the ones that feel really good.”
He acknowledged that challenges remain—particularly in areas where municipal authority is limited. “It’s tough when you can’t solve the issue for the person,” he said, especially on issues like homelessness, where jurisdiction and funding are often state-level.
White ended the interview by appealing to voters. “I’ve always gone with being that I’m approachable, I’m accessible, and I’m dedicated to Pittsfield,” he said. “I’ll continue to do that. I love working for our residents and our businesses, and I’ll continue to do that as long as I’m reelected.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 22, 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=54191. 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.
