Letter: Lynette Bond Is My Candidate

To the Editor:

In a recent fund-raising campaign letter to supporters, the Jennifer Macksey for Mayor Committee wrote, "If people are happy with how the city has been run over the past 12 years Jennifer Macksey ISN'T their candidate."

I say ... If you like the way the city has run the past 12 years, Lynette Bond IS your candidate. If you don't like the way the city has run the past 12 years, Lynette Bond IS your candidate. If you liked or disliked any of the past mayors, Lynette Bond IS your candidate.

She will work for all of you despite who you supported, if you were born here or moved here yesterday, knew her in school or just met her. If you are a resident of North Adams, she IS your candidate, as all on the ballot should be, because if elected they should serve all of us instead of just those who supported them or their boss.

Despite having good relations with former and current North Adams mayors, Lynette believes all have pros and cons, and doesn't wish to be a stand-in for any of them, referring to John Barrett III calling Macksey his "alter ego."

Lynette is her own woman with her own style of leadership, never being an apprentice or having a career tied to any former mayor, making her a new face in City Hall with new energy to move old projects forward and develop fresh ideas. Lynette Bond is "for the future of North Adams" unlike being stuck in the past.

We need a mayor who doesn't see this city as those who supported John Barrett III prior to 12 years ago and those who didn't. The "you are with me, or against me" mentality is getting old and needs to stop, and not healthy for our small city even a little. We may not be able to convince everyone but having a leader who looks at us as one community instead of dividing us is a good start.

Keith Bona
North Adams, Mass. 

Keith Bona is a North Adams city councilor. 

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.

 

"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."

 

Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.

 

She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 

 

"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...

 

"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."

 

The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.