Letter: Bosley Endorses Bond as 'Most Qualified' for Mayor

To the Editor:

I am writing to ask my fellow North Adams residents to vote for Lynette Bond for mayor on Nov. 2. While I know and like both candidates, this election has to be about who is most qualified for the tough tasks that face North Adams. I believe that Lynette Bond has shown the qualities and qualifications to be our choice.

Lynette has a truly diverse background that will serve her well as mayor. She has a master's degree in management. She served as a volunteer in the Peace Corps creating jobs in a third world country and under the most demanding of situations. She has worked at the Berkshire Workforce Board in grant management and training programs and, with the town of Adams, she managed community development block grants programs in housing rehabilitation, infrastructure, and economic development.

Currently, at MCLA, she is the director of grants and research, which brings in and oversees millions of dollars throughout the college's education, research, and student programs. And her eight years serving on the Planning Board for the city of North Adams gives her a view of the city that few others have through the board's role in guiding growth and development in the community as well as their role as an advisory body on other municipal land use, development, and planning regulations. Her entire career has equipped her with the experience that North Adams needs to meet the challenges our city faces.

North Adams faces some tough decisions over the next few years. Lynette was raised in a small town, has worked in municipal government, and served on our Planning Board. She understands the delicate balance that small municipalities face to meet the needs of their communities while addressing tough revenue realities. This knowledge has led her to detailed solutions to create jobs and fix an aging infrastructure.

Qualifications for mayor aren't just about the jobs Lynette has had. She has continually shown her love and dedication to North Adams through her volunteer efforts, such as serving as treasurer and on the board of Childcare of the Berkshires; her work in literacy programs; and her leadership on the volunteer campaign for the Colegrove Park Elementary School Project. She has raised her children in our community, been a foster mom, a host parent for the SteepleCats, and has coached youth sports in our city.

Being an elected official is not just a job. It's a lifestyle where you work 24/7 to improve the lives of others. Lynette's work experience gives her the tools to do the job. And her volunteerism and participation in our community shows her dedication and compassion for our city. Please join me in giving Lynette your vote on Nov. 2.

Dan Bosley
North Adams, Mass.

Daniel Bosley is the former state representative for the 1st Berkshire District.

Bailey Sworn in as North Adams Police Chief

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
03:10PM / Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Police Chief Mark Bailey poses with his family after being sworn in. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mark Bailey wanted a simple swearing in as the city's police chief. Family, some colleagues and staff. 

 

"This is as small as I get," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey to the room full of officers, staff, family members, other city employees and press in the police station's meeting room. 

 

Bailey, a sergeant, stepped in two years ago as interim when the former police chief was let go. On Tuesday, he took the position permanently. 

 

Both he and the mayor said the interim length was a matter of timing — there was a police contract being negotiated and Bailey was weighing whether he wanted to continue in the job.

 

"I didn't want any cloud over Mark's appointment," said the mayor, who added she didn't want to dwell on the past. "And then we were in the midst of negotiating the police contract, and I wanted to ensure that he got all the benefits that everyone else did."

 

Bailey will get $115,000 in the first year of a three-year contract. 

 

"He's done some really transformative things within the department, from body cams to additional grant writing to additional training of the force, and the force in general," said Macksey. "And he's the right guy. I really support promoting people through the ranks, and he's a true testament of that."