Letter: Macksey Understands How to Manage City

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To the Editor:

As a former administrative officer for the city of North Adams (2001-2008), I write to urge the citizens of North Adams to elect Jennifer Macksey their next mayor. I can attest to Jen's sharp intellect, skilled financial management and good nature during the years we worked together when she was the city's top financial officer. Jen worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of North Adams and has prepared herself, with her strong municipal background and experience in education administration, to be exceptionally qualified to do this remarkably difficult work.

There is no more difficult or important job than that of a mayor; I say this with confidence based on my own diverse and challenging work experience in both the private and public sectors. Jen Macksey has experienced firsthand the inherent difficulties in managing a city to meet the needs of its citizens while continually struggling to obtain and effectively use limited financial and other resources. She knows how to do this job and do it well.

It's been concerning to observe the current city government difficulties resulting in multiple resignations from incumbent city councilors. Now is not the time for on-the-job learning or training. Experience matters. Jen Macksey knows how to effectively position and utilize key resources on day one, which will be critical to the future success of North Adams. For these reasons, I urge the residents of North Adams to cast their vote for Jen Macksey on Nov. 2.
 

Mary Katherine Eade
North Adams, Mass. 

Mary Katherine Eade is a former administrative office for the city of North Adams.

 

 


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Letter: Virginia Riehl Would Bring a Thoughtful Voice to City Council

Letter to the Editor

To the Wditor:

As the North Adams City Council considers who will fill the vacancy left by Alexa MacDonald's departure, I'd like to express my support for Virginia Riehl.

North Adams is a community I care deeply about, and I try to contribute where I can. For the past three years, I've volunteered at the North Adams Farmers Market through various farms. I also volunteer my photography to support local charities and causes, and make an effort to stay engaged with the issues facing our city.

It's through this involvement that I've come to know Virginia. I frequently see her at farmers markets, community events, and gatherings focused on issues like affordable housing. I've come to appreciate not only her commitment to North Adams, but the thoughtful and collaborative way she approaches the challenges facing our community.

Recently, I attended a NACHO meeting that Virginia organized, and I was struck by her approach to the conversation. Rather than focusing on sweeping changes or searching for a single solution, Virginia emphasized listening, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and making space for ideas of all sizes. She seemed to recognize that even small, modest efforts can grow into something meaningful.

The conversation also touched on NACHO's (North Adams Community Housing Organization) future direction and how it could best serve the community. I appreciated Virginia's willingness to examine the organization's priorities rather than assume the existing approach was necessarily the best. To me, that reflected an important quality in civic leadership: a commitment to the purpose of the work, rather than to any particular structure or way of doing things.

Larger economic, social, and political forces shape the trajectory of a city like North Adams, and many are beyond our immediate control. But there's tremendous value in creating opportunities for people to connect, share ideas, and help one another. Sometimes meaningful change begins not with a grand proposal or formal policy initiative, but with a conversation that encourages someone to act on an idea.

Much of what makes a community strong happens through small, often unremarkable acts of participation. I believe Virginia understands that creating spaces for people to exchange ideas and encouraging others to get involved are themselves important forms of civic leadership.

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