Letter: Bernard Will Work Hard as Mayor

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Tom Bernard's candidacy for the mayor of North Adams. I have had the pleasure of working with Tom on community-based initiatives for the past nine years, including partnerships involving MCLA and the city as well as business development groups, which eventually grew into the North Adams Chamber of Commerce.

I have continually been impressed with his ability to approach challenging issues with a balanced perspective. Tom was always a reliable resource who provided insightful, competent and intelligent information that was the result of his commitment to doing his homework about the relevant issues.

Tom's skill set is a complimentary balance of intellect and a solid work ethic. This skill set is transferable to the office of the mayor, as he will research the issues with a thoughtful approach and a perspective that facilitates solutions to serve the best interest of the city. He is a principled leader who provides a competent, detailed approach to problem-solving and is able to roll up his sleeves and do the work that is involved in getting results. Tom's broad range of educational endeavors and professional experience has enhanced his ability to be fair minded, hardworking and solutions-focused.

I am optimistic about Tom's ability to lead this city with a keen understanding of its history and its heritage, while being able to incorporate the economic and cultural opportunities that hold so much promise for the city that we all love and call home. Tom has the competencies, intellect, perspective and experience to serve as the next mayor of our city. I believe in Tom and I know how hard he will work for all of the residents of North Adams.

I ask that you please join me on Tuesday November 7 and vote Tom Bernard for the mayor of North Adams. Thank you.

Mike Boland
North Adams, Mass.

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.