Holmes Confirms He Will Serve on North Adams School Committee

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A retired schoolteacher who tried to withdraw from Tuesday's School Committee election has changed his mind after capturing second place in vote totals.

"I think I may be able to help out a little bit, so I am going to try it," James Holmes said on Thursday. "I think it is a misnomer to say that I can make a difference because I think when you are on a committee that is sometimes difficult, but I think I can offer some insight."   

However, he had submitted a letter to the city clerk at least a month prior to the election saying he could no longer serve if elected. Last week, he cited personal reasons for his decision.

But his name was still on the ballot and he ended up getting 1,604 votes cast in his favor, making him the second highest vote-getter in four-way race. Incumbent Heather Boulger earned 2,362 votes and newcomer Ian Bergeron got 1,275. The fourth candidate, Raya Kirby, fell just out of the running. 

Boulger was the only candidate running for re-election to a three-year term. Committee members John Hockridge and Mark Moulton declined to run again. 

Holmes on Thursday said although he was humbled by the results, the main push behind his decision was the outcry from former students and former colleagues who thought he would be a good fit for the committee.

"The votes make you feel good knowing people care about you, but a lot of people just told me I should do it because I know the schools inside and out," he said. "They thought I could add something to the committee, so I am going to do it." 

The city government inauguration is Jan. 1, 2018. 

Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire Residents

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:15PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Adams Select Chair Christine Hoyt, NBCTC Executive Director David Fabiano and William Solomon, the attorney representing the four communities, talk after the session. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Public access channels should be supported and made more available to the public — and not be subject to a charge.

 

More than three dozen community members in-person and online attended the public hearing  Wednesday on public access and service from Spectrum/Charter Communications. The session at City Hall was held for residents in Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams to express their concerns to Spectrum ahead of another 10-year contract that starts in October.

 

Listening via Zoom but not speaking was Jennifer Young, director state government affairs at Charter.

 

One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. 

 

"I don't know if everybody else feels the same way but they have a monopoly," said Clarksburg resident David Emery. "They control everything we do because there's nobody else to go to. You're stuck with with them."

 

Public access television, like the 30-year-old Northern Berkshire Community Television, is funded by cable television companies through franchise fees, member fees, grants and contributions.

 

Spectrum is the only cable provider in the region and while residents can shift to satellite providers or streaming, Northern Berkshire Community Television is not available on those alternatives and they may not be easy for some to navigate. For instance, the Spectrum app is available on smart televisions but it doesn't include PEG, the public, educational and governmental channels provided by NBCTC.