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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Clarksburg Hires New Town Clerk/Assessor's Clerk

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — One small town's loss is another's win. The Select Board voted unanimously on Monday to offer the new post of town clerk/assessor's clerk to Amber Holland.
 
She accepted the post and will start April 6, training with Town Clerk Marilyn Gomeau until her retirement in May.
 
Holland has held multiple hats over the past 18 years working for Readsboro, Vt., including as the elected town clerk since 2011, selectmen's clerk, assessor's clerk, utility clerk, and administrator fill-in. 
 
When asked if she can do a budget for the town clerk's office, Holland replied that she prepares the draft budget for the whole town. 
 
The board was impressed by the range of her responsibilities and, said board member Colton Andrews, saw her as the "best option for plug and play."
 
"I think her ability to kind of transition between multiple different departments and job titles, I think really kind of separated her between the three applicants," he said. "And I think especially the way this office operates and Town Hall operates."
 
Board member Seth Alexander also was impressed by her experience, particularly in running elections, and Chair Daniel Haskins said her knowledge of municipal operations stood out.
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