Letter: Bond Has Knowledge, Experience for Mayor

To the Editor:

I write this letter asking residents of North Adams to join me in electing Lynette Bond for mayor on Nov. 2.

Believe me when I say that this was a tough decision, as I know both candidates, both with different but relevant backgrounds. For me, though, I find Lynette Bond to be the superior choice.

Lynette has experience in large municipal projects, such as the work she did in Adams securing and managing grant-funded projects that reshaped their downtown. She is director of grants and research at MCLA, where she has developed critical skills in grant writing and management which she will bring to the role of mayor. And during her eight years as a member of the North Adams Planning Board, she has played an important role in the economic growth
of our city.

We have been experiencing much-needed growth in recent years. Some may not like seeing another Cumberland Farms, but it provides important additional revenue for the city which this year could amount to over $300,000 -- $300,000 that resident taxpayers now don't need to come up with. Other major plans and approvals of the Planning Board, such as two in the Hardman Park and properties sold to Moresi Associates, increased the value of these properties and will provide strong net gains in revenue year over year.

Lynette has had a very impressive professional career with many achievements, and that isn't even including her considerable volunteer work, such as leading the charge for the rehabilitation of Colegrove Park School and dedicating so much time to youth sports. She is someone who commits to her jobs, employers, and community wholeheartedly.

I have 100 percent faith in Lynette's experience, knowledge, dedication and love for this great city that we call home. So I ask again that you please join me in voting for Lynette Bond for mayor of North Adams on Nov. 2.

Peter J Oleskiewicz
North Adams, Mass.

Peter Oleskiewicz is a North Adams
city councilor.

Clarksburg OKs $5.1M Budget; Moves CPA Adoption Forward

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
08:44PM / Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Newly elected Moderator Seth Alexander kept the meeting moving. 

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The annual town meeting sped through most of the warrant on Wednesday night, swiftly passing a total budget of $5.1 million for fiscal 2025 with no comments. 

 

Close to 70 voters at Clarksburg School also moved adoption of the state's Community Preservation Act to the November ballot after a lot of questions in trying to understand the scope of the act. 

 

The town operating budget is $1,767,759, down $113,995 largely because of debt falling off. Major increases include insurance, utilities and supplies; the addition of a full-time laborer in the Department of Public Works and an additional eight hours a week for the accountant.

 

The school budget is at $2,967,609, up $129,192 or 4 percent over this year. Clarksburg's assessment to the Northern Berkshire Vocational School District is $363,220.

 

Approved was delaying the swearing in of new officers until after town meeting; extending the one-year terms of moderator and tree warden to three years beginning with the 2025 election; switching the licensing of dogs beginning in January and enacting a bylaw ordering dog owners to pick up after their pets. This last was amended to include the words "and wheelchair-bound" after the exemption for owners who are blind. 

 

The town more recently established an Agricultural Committee and on Wednesday approved a right-to-farm bylaw to protect agriculture. 

 

Larry Beach of River Road asked why anyone would be against and what the downside would be. Select Board Chair Robert Norcross said neighbors of farmers can complain about smells and livestock like chickens.