Letter: Bond Will Be a Reliable Community Leader

Letter to the Editor06:45PM / Tuesday, October 26, 2021Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

When looking toward the future of this great city, it is important not to neglect the voices of the younger generations. It is also important not to underscore the value community service has in shaping a candidate. Coming from an MCLA student and soon to be officeholder, I believe the person to best connect with our youth and represent the value of community service is Lynette Bond.

The most important memories I've made as a college student were through active volunteerism. As a person who dedicates my time in such a way, I can see how volunteer work has influenced Lynette Bond as a person, and how it will shape her tenure as the next mayor of North Adams. Through her dedication as a foster parent, her time in the Peace Corps, and her intense dedication toward the Colegrove Park Elementary School project, she has proven to me that she will be a reliable community leader.

I have been able to call North Adams my home for 22 years. MCLA was my school of choice because of this beautiful city I have been able to call my home. I think the school is especially emblematic of our community's younger demographics, and it makes me pleased to see who younger people want as their leader. The feedback we have received from the overwhelming majority of them? The future is with Lynette.

With students who want to make North Adams their home after they graduate, and have taken on our community as one that represents them, Lynette is an especially symbolic person to take office as our next mayor. Lynette may not have been born in North Adams, but she chose our city as her home like so many others here do. I am confident in Lynette's experience, transparency, and communicative nature to lead our city for the next two years. I hope with all this information in mind, you will vote for her assuredly on Nov. 2.

Joshua Vallieres
North Adams, Mass.

Joshua Vallieres is a candidate for North Adams School Committee.

Tags: city election, election 2021, letters to the editor,

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Letter: Let's Celebrate Diversity in the Northern Berkshires

Letter to the Editor07:00PM / Friday, January 09, 2026

To the Editor:

With the Jan. 1 swearing in of our city of North Adams mayor and City Council, we have an opportunity to celebrate diversity. For the first time in North Adams history, we have a woman for mayor, a woman majority council, and a council which is at least one-third LGBTQIA-plus. I believe this is something which should be celebrated, openly.

Despite a worrying national conversation which advocates that diversity equates weakness, the opposite is true, and has been proven time and time again. McKinsey & Co., a global consulting firm, has conducted a series of studies, which have made a strong business case for diversity, showing it is a competitive advantage for organizations, linked to innovation, financial success, and social benefits. It is indicated that it's especially beneficial to have diverse leadership teams.

I think North Adams is well-positioned to leverage fresh ideas and innovate. Our diversity will help set us up for a more successful future.

Like many of you, I have noticed negative reactions to the news of the diversification of our city's leadership in social media posts, and in overtly homophobic and transphobic comments. I wish for the Northern Berkshires to maintain a culture which is respectful, accepting and uplifting of people of all backgrounds, and I suspect the majority of our residents share this goal.

If you are reading this and feel similarly to me, please join me in helping to uplift people, and celebrate diversity. Let's share success stories, hopes for the future, and accept people of different backgrounds.

Andrew J Fitch
North Adams, Mass.

Andrew Fitch is vice president of the North Adams City Council.

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