PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Musician and real estate broker William "Billy" Keane is mounting a bid for a seat on the City Council.

 

Keane took out papers on Monday to challenge incumbent Donna Todd Rivers. Keane is the managing broker for his family's business, Jan Perry Realty & Associates, and a local musician.

 

"I believe Pittsfield is on the cusp of achieving a level of economic and cultural success that we deserve and should reach for as the 'Capitol of the Berkshires,'" Keane wrote in an announcement on Monday.

 

"But in order to get there we need a spirit of positive motivation, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work together towards a common goal; I believe I can offer that to the council." 

 

Keane is focusing on his experience as a small business owner and as a member of the Berkshire County Board of Realtors. He hopes to help the city explore ways to further support local businesses.

 

He is also a singer-songwriter who has performed throughout the county. He believes arts and culture can be a foundation for the city's future success.

 

"I believe that maintaining the infrastructure of our city does not end with the important tasks of filling potholes and plowing roads, but also includes supporting our local businesses as well as our cultural and artistic foundations," Keane wrote. 

 

"I don't believe in importing success. I believe that Pittsfield's future lies within the facets of the city that already exist. It is by supporting our business and artistic communities and by helping them achieve positive growth and prosperity that Pittsfield as a whole will thrive as well."

 

Keane and his wife, Waterfall, own two homes and live in Ward 5 with a dog and a cat.

 

Nomination papers became available Monday morning. So far 14 candidates took out papers to run for City Council. Rivers had not taken out papers on the first day and hasn't said whether or not she plans to seek re-election. 

 

Rivers won the seat in 2015 by just 12 votes over Richard Scapin. A recount was needed to confirm her victory. She succeeded former Councilor Jonathan Lothrop, who opted not to run for re-election.