Letter: Why I'm Voting for Jennifer Macksey for Mayor

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To the Editor:

When Jennifer announced her intention to run for mayor of the city of North Adams, I knew from that moment who I would be voting for. As a retired city clerk for the city of North Adams, I had the pleasure of getting to know Jennifer as a co-worker and as the young woman she has grown to be. Although I did not work in her direct office, as the city clerk and clerk of the council, many times I asked for her assistance when it came to municipal finances. I always felt confident in Jennifer when I needed her expertise. Jennifer was always willing to take the time to be certain it fell within Massachusetts General Laws.

Jennifer has proven the high standards she has set for herself, starting from a young child, working in her Dad's store to working at the landfill before college. Her education in our schools and her college education brought her through the many accomplishments in her career. As procurement officer, city treasurer and tax collector, she had the opportunity to know every employee, and the functions of each department. As a department head, she was able to maintain a working relationship with her staff and her fellow co-workers in City Hall. While working at MCLA, Southern Vermont College and most recently Northern Berkshire School Union, she was able to develop her leadership skills.

I'm honored to be part of Jennifer's team. Jennifer has had many meetings with residents of the city and heard their concerns; she will not dismiss those concerns. She has a definite plan for the city of North Adams and understands the challenges the city is facing. Jennifer's strong government experience and leadership is what it takes to move the city of North Adams forward.

Jennifer believes now is the time for her to give back to the community she loves and become your mayor.

I ask the voters of this community, do you want a mayor who will respond and understand your needs and run a more efficient and accountable government? If yes, please vote along with me on Nov. 2 for Jennifer Macksey for mayor.

Marilyn Gomeau
North Adams, Mass. 

Marilyn Gomeau is a retired city clerk for the city of North Adams. 

 

 

 


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North Adams School, Finance Committee Endorse $22M School Budget

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Finance Committee on Wednesday recommended a fiscal 2027 spending plan of $22 million that had been approved by the School Committee on Tuesday. 
 
The spending plan of $22,393,775 is an increase of $757,554 over this year, or 3.5 percent. It will be funded through the Chapter 70 state education grant estimated at $16,796,682 (based on the governor's budget); school-choice funds of $1,446,419, up $506,411; and local funding of $4,150,673 (also based on the governor's budget), up $161,942 or 4.06 percent.
 
Based on new numbers from the House and Senate, the city's portion could drop to $4,049, 353.
 
"A lot of our advocacy this year is around Chapter 70 and the various funding formulas," said Superintendent Timothy Callahan during the public hearing preceding the committee meeting. "We as a School Committee, but certainly I as an individual and other members of the administrative team, have participated in various sessions to advocate for more funding from Chapter 70, a massive part of our district budget."
 
Chapter 70 is critical to the school budget, with nearly 80 percent of its funding coming through the state. 
 
Director of School Finance and Operations Nancy Rauscher explained to the Finance Committee that the schools have "hugely benefited from that over the last few years, with significant increases" based on the district's needs and community profile.
 
"This is the first year that we've been considered a minimum aid district," she said. "What that means is you're held harmless. You're still getting what you were given ... but the addition is just a minimum eight addition. This year, it's $75, per student. So it literally is 75 times the number of students, and at that time it was 1,192 students, when they did this."
 
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