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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Brisket Lovers, Boxcar Racing Fans Fill Main Street in North Adams

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Main Street was blocked off for barbecue and boxcars on Friday. 
 
The brisket contest actually started at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night, as some smokers — like the North Adams Fire Department — fired up their charcoal for the long cooking process. 
 
"The teams have been cooking up a storm since 11 o'clock last night. They've been having so much fun," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "I believe the Fire Department did breakfast this morning with breakfast sandwiches. Then Dough Boys had pizza this afternoon. So even if you're not able to participate tonight, just walking by, people have been eating."
 
The event had been scheduled for last Sunday but postponed after an early Nor'easter dumped rain over the region. 
 
At Monument Square, cars were lifted onto a contraption constructed by McCann Technical School students that would give the racers in the two age groups a boost as they traveled down the hill to a large blow-up finish line in front of the Mohawk Theater.
 
Waiting for them was Police Lt. Anthony Beverly with a "certified LiDAR unit," which he said recorded top speeds of 14 mph for the winners of both age categories.
 
"Our goal is we want everybody to make it across the finish line. Remember last year we lost some people," said Macksey. "My hope is I don't have to push anybody this year."
 
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