Brief biography

I am a Berkshire native and a 39-year resident of the city. My husband Bill, a retired Mass State Police lieutenant and Northern Berkshire station commander, and I raised our children in the city.

I am a 16-year city councilor, a municipal advocate, a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. I am a Girl Scout, a volunteer, an MCLA alum and more.

I have a Master's Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from Suffolk University, a Bachelor of Science and Master's in Business Administration from MCLA, and a certificate in non-profit management. I am a graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and a certified treasurer and procurement officer

Why are you running again for City Council?

I am running for North Adams City Council because I want to continue to use my skills to work with the other councilors, mayor and staff to continue to move our city forward. I use my experience and education to research issues that come before the council and Planning Board to make the best decisions possible. I listen to residents and industry professionals when evaluating matters on the agenda and work toward a compromise when necessary.

I am enthusiastic about the city and promote it wherever I go. I continue every day to work on your behalf to make this a great place to live and work. It truly is a labor of love. I have the experience, education, and enthusiasm to serve the residents of North Adams.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

I was a founding member of the Northern Berkshire Food Festival committee and served on the Open Studios committee. In May 2001, I had the privilege of representing Rotary International as a team member of a Group Study Exchange program to Belgium and Luxembourg, a four-week vocational and cultural exchange for young professionals. This gave me the opportunity to examine and discuss the issues of health care, education, energy, and cultural resources at the international level. I was a member of the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association's Legislative Committee. I have been a member of both the Southern and Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committees. I have served on the Boards of the Alumni Association of MCLA, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass., the North Adams SteepleCats, the Berkshire Food Project and more. I look forward to visiting with my three granddaughters as often as we can. In my spare time, (yeah, right) I enjoy gardening, cooking, traveling, and visiting all the wonderful venues North Adams and the Berkshires have to offer.

If re-elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

We took steps in 2021 to get Community Compact grants for a capital plan and a revised compensation and classification plan. We need to follow through on the work done. The council needs to take up the capital plan and let our priorities be voiced and address the aging infrastructure. Additionally, we need see the compensation and classification plan and work toward implementing it.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I have spent 16 years on the council, serving with four mayors and on all committees. I was on the search committees for a new public safety commissioner, city clerk and assistant city clerk. Additionally, I was a member of our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) working group and the Public Safety Building committees. I serve on the School Building Committee. I have 11 years of experience working in municipal government. That work includes municipal finance and budgeting, grant writing, municipal human resources, and more.

How do you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I have a personal Facebook page, a campaign page and a City Council page. As a councilor, I have city email and respond to questions or refer folks to staff who can help. I attend many events in our city. That is where most residents reach out to me, well, that and the supermarket. I listen to people with different points of view, do my research and make my decisions. I have been known to change my mind during a discussion on the council floor when someone makes a compelling point that I hadn’t thought of.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

I have served on all five committees and have chaired four of them. Given my background in municipal government and finance, my choice would be the Finance and Community Development committees.

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

Given that we continue to have failed RFPs for the Mohawk Theater, I have second thoughts about voting against the approval of the proposal at the end of 2021 for the theater.

I am proud that I co-sponsored and supported the resolution supporting North Adams as a Sanctuary City for trans and gender diverse people. I believe in civil and human rights for all of our residents.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

When I see something that needs to be fixed, I want to work to make changes. But, having been in the weeds of municipal and state government, I understand that the wheels of change can grind slowly. I worked on the ordinances to create the Youth, Arts and IDEA Commissions, initiatives that were community-driven. I co-sponsored one and voted for all of the resolutions promoting a welcoming community and adhering to civil and human rights policies and ideals for our LGBTQ+ community members. For years, I suggested posting committees/commissions openings and what they do on the city website. I am glad to see that come to fruition.

I think of myself as an advocate, whether that be in Boston with the administration, secretariats, and Legislature or locally with the mayor and department heads. I work to get us the resources we need.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I think we traditionally operated in a "just the facts" model, moving through our agendas and voting on the business of the city. We did our homework so that we understood what we were doing. That paradigm has changed. We need to get better at explaining to the public what we are talking about, what research we have done, what we have heard from residents, and what something means. We used CARES Act money to purchase equipment to be able to live-stream our meetings, so everyone who wants to and has a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can watch meetings remotely. The next step will to be able to have hybrid meetings, allowing public input from those not in chambers.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

The city's budget is the biggest challenge. We have increasing demand on resources and a shrinking tax base. This is apparent in our infrastructure needs and losing senior staff to communities that pay higher salaries. I would continue to advocate for earmarks and the release of funds for specific projects. Additionally, I would continue my efforts to change funding formulas at the state level and the addition of an MSBA-type program for municipal buildings.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Our biggest opportunity is our people, those who have been here for generations and those who have more recently chosen North Adams as their home. I am passionate about our community. I look forward to working with the other councilors, the Administration, staff, and residents to continue to move our city forward. I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 4th.

Brief biography

I have been married to Anne-Marie and we have two adult children, AJ and Liz, along with a grandson Beckett. I graduated from McCann Tech and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and bring over 30 years of experience as a marketer and graphic designer, serving a diverse clientele that ranges from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies.

In addition to owning Berkshire Emporium and Dino Cafe on Main Street, I manage several apartment properties and have taught continuing education courses in computer graphics at MCLA for over a decade. My dedication to the community is reflected in my financial investments in local businesses, my volunteer work on various boards focused on business, arts, health and human services, and youth initiatives, as well as my active participation in numerous events.

Furthermore, I have held multiple terms on the City Council, contributing to all committees during my service.

Why are you running for City Council?

While I am always eager to welcome newcomers to the council, I believe that a strong governing body is best composed of a blend of experienced, semi-experienced, and new members.

Relying solely on seasoned councilors or entirely on fresh faces would not serve the community effectively in the short or long term. The number of years served does not inherently make one a better representative, and this should not be the primary criterion for voters. I advocate for a council that reflects a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including education, health care, technology, social services, engineering, and law, as well as a variety of ages, cultures, and personal experiences.

It is essential for the council to represent all voices within the community, even if this diversity makes consensus more challenging. Our agenda should not be limited to simple votes; rather, it should encourage thoughtful discussion and collaboration.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Throughout my adult years, I have been involved in various community organizations, taking on leadership positions such as chair and board member in areas like health and human services, education, business, and community development. One of my most significant accomplishments was co-founding the United Neighborhood Organization with Shirley Davis and David Dunn. After stepping back after several years, it has been gratifying to see the organization's evolution over the decades, culminating in the creation of its own community center.

If re-elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Throughout my experience with four different administrations, I've advocated for several initiatives that seem relatively easy to implement. The real hurdle, however, is when these initiatives clash with the administration's priorities, which makes it tough to make headway.

One major concern is the retention of several large city-owned properties that I believe we should no longer maintain. The costs associated with their upkeep are substantial, we miss out on potential tax revenue, and a disproportionate amount of city resources goes into managing these properties, which don't benefit most residents. For instance, locations like Windsor Mill, Mohawk Theater, Brayton School (when it's vacant), Heritage Park, and the sand and salt yard highlight this issue.

I argue that the city shouldn't own and rent out properties that compete with those paying commercial tax rates. The Windsor Mill, Heritage Park, and Mohawk Theater all need significant repairs that will lead to long-term expenses we can't sustain. Moreover, Brayton School has been found to be more expensive to maintain than its worth as a school, suggesting that the city should sell it off.

I also recommend moving the sand and salt shed to the DPW main property and selling the current site for potential commercial development.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

Serving multiple terms doesn't give my vote any more weight than that of a newly elected councilor. However, my experience can offer valuable perspectives when we revisit past agenda items that are relevant to today's discussions.

Over the years, I've learned to be resilient, recognizing that the role of a public official is often underappreciated, and social media can amplify negativity, turning our personal lives into subjects of scrutiny. This position doesn't come with significant financial rewards, and being a local official in a closely-knit community means developing the ability to overlook superficial judgments.

After taking my share of metaphorical hits, my resilience has only grown. Newer councilors might try to please everyone, but they soon realize that it's an impossible task, especially on divisive issues. Ultimately, we are elected to make tough choices, even if it means facing backlash from parts of the community.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

Operating a store on Main Street presents both advantages and challenges. It allows me to engage with numerous local residents, newcomers, visitors, and students, fostering a sense of community. However, this visibility also means that I am easily accessible for complaints regarding issues like potholes, taxes, and water services.

After years of being situated downtown, I have come to accept this as a routine aspect of my day. I frequently communicate with people through email and social media, and even casual visits to the supermarket often turn into discussions with residents. While many of the concerns raised are beyond the purview of the City Council, I promptly direct these matters to the mayor or the appropriate departments for resolution.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

No particular one. I've served them all. Wherever the president puts me.

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

The majority of our votes, approximately 90 percent, pertain to agenda items introduced by the mayor, and most of these proposals receive approval after extensive vetting through numerous community meetings and feedback.

At this moment, I cannot identify any votes I would reconsider; however, I remain open to revisiting decisions if compelling reasons arise.

While not particularly controversial, my role as Finance chair involved dedicating over a hundred hours to revising our ordinances regarding fee listings. The aim was to simplify access for residents by consolidating all fees in one location, making future revisions more manageable. This extensive undertaking required collaboration among various councilors, departments, and committees, along with legal counsel, resulting in the most significant combined ordinance change the council has addressed in decades.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

There's always room for improvement. As a councilor, I often find it surprising to learn about major developments through the media that I wasn't informed about beforehand, especially when certain information is kept confidential during negotiations, purchases, and grants.

It makes me question how we can effectively move from point A to Z without being privy to the essential details along the way. While many decisions legally require a council vote, I can't help but wonder how much information would stay hidden if those votes weren't necessary. When funding allows for decisions to be made without council input, it speeds things up but also reduces public involvement. This creates a tension between efficiency and transparency, as more openness can lead to bureaucratic hurdles that slow down projects.

Constituents are divided on this issue; some want more meetings to express their concerns, while others prefer fewer discussions to get things done faster.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

The budget poses a considerable challenge as we strive to improve our aging infrastructure. A complete renovation would necessitate hundreds of millions of dollars, and while an annual increase of one million dollars may facilitate minor repairs, it often results in unpopular tax increases that merely cover routine expenses like supplies, labor, and insurance.

It is crucial to ensure the cleanliness of our water supply, the safety of our roads, the success of our schools, and the overall aesthetic appeal of our city, along with sufficient public amenities. Although state and federal funding contributes to infrastructure projects, such as road resurfacing, it falls short of addressing the underlying issues. This challenge is not unique to North Adams; however, our community's tax bills are significantly lower than that of 99 percent of other municipalities in the state, which hampers our ability to address these urgent needs. Ultimately, whether through taxes, grants, or state and federal assistance, additional resources are essential to tackle substantial repairs.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Some significant initiatives are already underway, and the answers to this issue may vary based on individual priorities. Reflecting on a previous question regarding my goals as a councilor, I would advocate for the sale of city-owned properties.

Divesting these assets could pave the way for new private economic ventures or housing developments. Currently, the city has not effectively utilized these properties, which have remained largely vacant for decades, failing to generate sufficient revenue to cover basic maintenance costs. While the outcomes may not align perfectly with our ideal vision for these sites, allowing private developers to take over could revitalize them and improve their prospects, and bring in additional tax revenue to put towards needed necessities.

Brief biography

I grew up in the West End of North Adams. I am a graduate of Drury High School. After graduation from St. Michael's College, I came home and went to work in the business sector for about 20 years. Then the mills and factories where I was working closed, so I found myself without a job or career. I was fortunate to be able to go back to school (full-time) without leaving the city. I am proud to say that I was able to tap into both MCLA and McCann for training, certificates and degrees. In my second career, I was a computer science teacher and IT network administrator for over 20 years.

Why are you running for re-election to City Council?

The City Council's job is to take care of the needs of its people in the community. I am looking for a "senior" friendly reduction in real estate taxes, to support educational goals in North Adams, to address housing in the neighborhoods and to increase all opportunities to have good paying jobs.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

I joined the Hoosac River Revival Board in 2018 because I believed in the mission of the organization which is to advance modernization of the river flood control, ecosystem restoration, economic development and cultural connections. I am proud to say I was one of the authors of the application that was accepted by the USACE to perform a feasibility study on the flood chutes and surrounding areas. A successful $220M project will bring high-paying jobs and new infrastructure to the City of North Adams.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

The issue is JOBS. Like all communities, there are three groups of citizens: school-age children, adults and senior citizens. The adults need jobs. In this neck of the woods, finding and keeping a good job is brutal. I can attest to that personally.

As a member of the McCann School Committee, our focus has been to continue the growth of the school's programs. With 100 percent grant funding, a new HVAC/R Program and construction of a $3.1 million building to house the program began in 2024. The students graduating from this program will be entering the workforce fully trained for high-paying positions within our community.

My focus on the City Council is to work with and welcome industries to our city, be it a data center offering 400 people high-paying positions with a $2 million a month payroll or a locally established business expanding to offer five highly trained jobs paying $93,000 a year each.

Working with state officials to bring potential companies to the city is critical for job creation. At the same time, the city should recognize the need to address the commercial tax rate in North Adams, which is ridiculously high.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

During my 40 years of working, I have experienced cutting-edge modernization as well as the downturns of companies. I have witnessed well-designed efficient programs and missteps by the government at every level.

My perspective, coupled with my education, brings the clarity of years of experience to focus on the right direction for success.

Now in retirement for 10 years, I have been focusing on hometown volunteering as a Hoosic River Revival Inc. member of the Board of Directors for seven years. I have been working with the City of North Adams as a License Board Commissioner for 10 years and as a city councilor for two years. I have also been a McCann School Committee member for six years.

How do you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

During my first term as city councilor, I found phone calls, emails, and meeting at their convenience are the best ways to reach constituents. I am able to spend as much time as needed because retirement has given me the flexibility to meet during the day or evenings.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Finance

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

I am very proud of helping to Save the Notch and City Reservoirs from needless clear-cutting of historical trails and destruction of the irreplaceable water supply for the city. Many, many people did endless work to preserve a paradise of our city I have enjoyed for over seventy years, and still soak up with my grandchildren to this day.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

I see my role as being responsive to constituents' needs. I would like to see the city morph into a place for many different uses. I see the city on a path as an area to bask in nature as well as an oasis with the trapping of an urban existence with cutting-edge technology and cultural refinement.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

The falling population is the biggest challenge. We have young people not returning after college and people leaving to find better jobs or more robust schools for their kids. New people are not choosing North Adams to live in for the same reasons. There are very limited job prospects and the schools need more resources.

Also, we have senior citizens deciding if "aging in place" means North Adams or someplace else. They are questioning the affordability of owning a home with high real estate taxes, the quality of life the city offers and a city with a crumbling infrastructure.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

The right set of circumstances is the biggest opportunity for the city. The right set of city councilors is the biggest opportunity, working together for common goals. That is how the collective McCann Board works together with all the individual expertises on the same page, creating the program and building. The Hoosic River Revival Board "Zoomed" together to write the proposal for the Army Corps of Engineers to study the flood chutes. Groups of talented people can be very successful if they keep their eye on the prize and work together.

Brief biography

I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I studied international relations, business, and political science in Virginia, Europe, and Asia throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees. My career has varied from directing an acting school to managing local and national marketing partnerships to producing inclusion programs at major tech companies and nonprofits to starting my own business in North Adams. This diverse career has taken me across industries and the world, with the common thread being a focus on community development and advocacy.

After time spent living and learning in other cities and towns, I was eager to move back home to Massachusetts, where I could dive into the beautiful City of North Adams, and leverage my experience, passion, and vision to fix up old buildings, create businesses and nonprofits, develop spaces for residents to gather, foster a bustling downtown small business district, contribute to the workings of government, and make a positive impact on my community.

Why are you running again for City Council?

I am deeply passionate about North Adams and the Northern Berkshires. I want to use my second term on the North Adams City Council to continue to make a positive impact by developing responsible and inclusive policies, bringing people together, advocating for the needs of our residents, and helping to build a vibrant city. I want to set us on a path towards a bright, inclusive, sustainable, and flourishing future.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

I have been deeply involved in North Adams' community. I've renovated a downtown building and opened a bakery/bar/community space. I've served on several boards and commissions including the IDEA Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Airport Commission, North Adams Chamber of Commerce, North Adams Democratic City Committee, First Fridays Organizing Committee, North Adams Pride Leadership Team, Fall Foliage Day Parade Committee, and North Adams Cultural District Committee. Additionally, I have volunteered for and run summer fundraisers or awareness campaigns for ROOTS Teen Center, North Adams Pride, Hoosic River Revival, and the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project.

If re-elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

I would push the City Council and city administration to focus more time, energy, and money on community development projects which will set our city up for a bright future. This has been the primary focus area of my first term, but there is so much more work to do and I think it's important to maintain a strong focus on community development.

I wish to establish a system for goal-setting, reporting, and general communication about the status of important projects such as Hoosic River Revival, the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project, North Adams Adventure Trail (aka bike path), Natural Bridge State Park renovations, Heritage State Park renovations, Windsor Mill renovations, Mohawk Theater renovations, trail restoration, and housing development and stabilization. I firmly believe that if our council shines a light on these important projects, they will move forward more quickly and better address the needs of our community.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I learned through corporate trainings that my Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFP, which deems me "the Campaigner." I truly enjoy campaigning for creative solutions to problems, uniting people of different backgrounds to drive projects forward, and helping to form a more inclusive and participatory culture within our city. Furthermore, due to my experience living and working in different cities around the country and globe, my breadth of work experience, and my deep experience living and participating in North Adams, I bring knowledge of what is done well elsewhere, and what may be best applied in our city.

How do you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I regularly engage with constituents. One of my favorite parts of being a councilor is having brainstorming meetings with residents of North Adams, and I tend to have at least one each week. When people reach out to me, articulating curiosity about a specific project, or community need, or interest in participating in city government, I normally ask to have a call and/or in-person meeting with them to figure out a path towards success for them. Messages often come through phone call or text, email, Facebook, Instagram, or by popping into my business on Eagle Street. I would love to continue on this path, and host more community input sessions through whichever City Council committee I am appointed to.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

I would be very interested in maintaining my positions on the Community Development and Finance Committees. I think these are the committees which align best with my goals and focus on Community Development projects and programs. These Committees require a lot of time, energy, and care, and I have the drive and determination to step up to the plate and do good work again.

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

I am particularly proud of my yes vote and co-sponsorship of the Sanctuary City Resolution our council passed this year. I will always stand up for and protect our community. Though the conversation was not an easy one for all of the members of our community or council to have, and I knew there was a risk the resolution would not pass, I was proud to help write and advocate for it publicly.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

I think it is important to strike a good balance between the two. As I wrote in another response, I consider one of my primary responsibilities to be actively listening to the needs of our constituents, and finding solutions to address those needs. I hold my responsibility of driving conversations, ideas, resolutions, and ordinances forward to be of equal importance.

Looking back on my first term, I think I struck that balance well, and I would intend to continue to do so. I should add, however, that I think we have an opportunity as a council to be even more active in proposing new conversations, ideas, resolutions, and ordinances of our own, and facilitating constituent input through our Council and Committee meetings.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I do not think our city government is transparent enough. I perceive that we have a culture amongst our government to follow procedures and keep our heads down and focus on our work, while forgetting to communicate about what we are doing. I do think we are as transparent as our laws require us to be, but I think we have an opportunity to do much better. I have instigated this conversation many times throughout my first term on council, and I would continue to do so.

I wish to see our City Council and city administration be more clear and proactive in our communications. For example, I would like for us to explain each City Council agenda item, so our constituents always understand what it is we are voting on. I would also like for us to find a way to proactively communicate about issues, projects, and events in our city such as sending out seasonal communications about the schedule for street repairs.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Community development. I have written and spoken about the need for a stronger focus on community development since well before I became a councilor. I firmly believe that finding a way to responsibly, inclusively, sustainably, and effectively develop our community so it may flourish is our biggest challenge.

Housing costs are soaring, our housing supply is far lower than our community demands, our infrastructure requires major improvements, our schools need to be strengthened, and our downtown city-owned and privately-owned buildings are underutilized. It's going to take much more focus on community development to solve these challenges.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Our biggest opportunity is advocacy and collaboration. North Adams does not have and endless supply of resources to solve our challenges on our own. But through persistent advocacy to our State and Federal Administrations and collaboration with local and regional agencies such as Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Regional Transit, the North Adams Partnership, North Adams Chamber of Commerce, 1Berkshire, and the governments of our neighboring communities, we will be able to find creative solutions to all of our challenges.

I'm familiar with the expression, "work smarter, not harder." But I believe that working harder and smarter together with others will set us up for the best possible outcomes.

Brief biography

I am a lifelong North Adams resident and am currently serving my third term. I worked for several years in the trucking industry, later tried the restaurant industry and did not succeed due to several factors, including COVID-19, workforce changes and some bad business decisions. I currently work for a 300-year-old company based in France, Saint-Gobain, as an operator.

In my terms on City Council, I have served on Public Services, Public Safety and General Government Committees.

Why are you running for City Council?

I love the City that I live in and love giving back and serving. As we see, it is very difficult to find people to serve in any capacity. It is by no means an easy task: we have people who support us and we also have people who will find fault in all that you do.

Regardless, I will always be proud and honored to have earned the votes of the public and to have their trust in making some very important decisions, most importantly, the city budget, tax rate and shift.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Quite honestly, over the last two years, my schedule hasn't afforded me the time to volunteer. As many have seen, the workforce has changed and I spend around 70 hours a week at work.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Over the last five years on council, we, along with current and past administrations, have tackled many issues: Fire hydrants, a new school, moving the police into an ADA-compliant space. We still need to find a solution for the Fire Department space, currently a work in progress. As far back as I can remember, infrastructure is always a hot topic.

We all know that without unlimited funds it is a tall task. Just like any community, we fix things as they break. I know that may sound dismissive to our needs, but it is the harsh reality. But infrastructure is on the forefront of all of our minds.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I believe that in three terms that I have learned so much in how a city operates, how the money comes in, how it's spent and the imbalance between the two. I've learned why budgets increase yearly. I am very grateful to my peers over the last five years for the lessons that I have been taught.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I do use Facebook, email, text, telephone calls and I totally enjoy just sitting one one-on-one over a cup of coffee. I have even totally enjoyed coffee with my biggest critics, sometimes they actually walk away with a different view.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

I have the biggest fondness for our employees and have the greatest pleasure serving on Public Services and Public Safety.

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

I am very consistent with my voting. Especially when it comes to the tax increase and shift. I have always voted in favor of the homeowner.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

Both. We face a range of issues that come from all over. We are not a self-serving body with pet projects. We are elected to serve the public.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I believe our city government to be transparent.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Of course infrastructure, but growth as well. We do see growth but the pace is slow.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Most don't want to hear it but we need to continue to ride along with Mass MoCA. Some don't realize the economic benefit and the revenue gained by the city with 400,000 visitors yearly. Another opportunity is our youth; we need to find a way to add to the pace of growth and keep them here in the future to carry on and be the future of North Adams.

Brief biography

Born and raised in North Adams, parts manager at K-M Toyota. Graduated from MCLA in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and graduated from BCC in 1994 with an associate's degree in engineering technology.

Why are you running for re-election to City Council?

To serve the city that has been my home for so many years. I want to help and give back to this place I call home.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Worked with the group to promote the new Greylock Elementary School, and held a neighborhood gathering to inform people about the project.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

The infrastructure of our city, to make sure our roads, waterlines, and municipal systems are maintained.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

Five years as a current city councilor, my background knowledge of infrastructure. My ability to talk to people and to answer their questions.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

Meet-and-greet events, some Facebook, and attend local events and talk to people.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Public Safety, Finance Committee, or General Government.

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

I am proud of my vote on the new Greylock School Project. I felt it was an important project to facilitate the education of our young people and to give them a newer, safer space to be able to accomplish that.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

I feel that I am more responsive to administration and constituent proposals. I feel this is more of what the constituents expect of a representative. It gives you the ability to look at a problem from many different angles. I feel that you may not always see an issue from different perspectives if it is an issue that you are trying to move forward.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I believe that our city government is very transparent. I encourage public participation at all open meetings. Not only are our twice-monthly council meetings open, the committee meetings are great forums for constituents to let us know how they feel on an issue.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Maintenance of infrastructure and affordable housing. You have to have a solid infrastructure to support new and more housing opportunities.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Right now, it's the construction of the new Greylock Elementary School, which will help increase the desirability of the City to current and prospective residents.

Brief biography

Ashley Shade is a dedicated public servant and advocate for inclusivity, equity, and transparency in North Adams. A city resident since 1991, she graduated from Charles H. McCann Technical School and earned her bachelor of science in business administration from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Before entering public office, Shade worked in customer service and health care, and later held a leadership role at Wayfair, where she chaired the LGBTQ+ employee resource group and served on the Corporate Impact Council. Her professional experience informed her passion for workplace equity and inclusive community development.

Shade has been active in both local and national advocacy. She chaired Outright USA and served as the first openly transgender chair of the Libertarian Party of Massachusetts. She has participated in the National Transgender Visibility March policy team and held positions on North Adams' Human Services Commission and the Commission on Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access.

In 2021, she was elected to the City Council, making history as one of the region's first openly transgender elected officials. She was re-elected in 2023 and currently serves as vice president of the council. Her priorities include defending civil rights, updating outdated city ordinances, supporting underserved communities, and improving infrastructure. She uses her platform to increase education and awareness around the issues that face the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. Her current work on the City Council has helped further the aim to build a strong, safe, and vibrant community in North Adams.

Being transgender has given her a unique perspective on what it feels like to be marginalized, a perspective that is of vital importance to helping people of all backgrounds and treating them with equal compassion. Through her leadership, Shade strives to create a more inclusive and responsive civic environment for all North Adams residents.

Why are you running for City Council?

To continue serving the people of North Adams and representing our community.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Ashley serves as co-chair of the North Adams Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee. She is a graduate of the NBCC Community Outreach Volunteer Program, A member of the Berkshire County LGBTQ+ Healthcare Collaborative and North Adams Pride, former president of the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, and a former member of the North Adams Human Services Commission.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Economic development, housing development, mental health awareness, infrastructure, increased transparency and accountability, restructuring our city ordinances and increased representation to underserved and marginalized communities.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I have two terms of City Council experience, including serving as vice president of the Council and chair of the Finance and General Government Committees in different terms. I have experience as an activist, campaign volunteer and have served in numerous leadership roles. I have developed the skills necessary to work with people of all backgrounds and ideas in order to accomplish goals and tasks. I have a unique experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and I will work to ensure all people have representation in office.

How do you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I am on Facebook and Instagram as @ashade4office. I also have a website, ashleyshade.com. My website has a built-in feature to allow people to schedule meetings with me and is open to all constituents. I encourage people to reach out via email, phone or through the scheduling link on my website.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Finance, General Government, Public Safety, Ordinance Revision

Is there a vote you have changed your mind about or a vote you are particularly proud of and why?

I am extremely proud of our collective votes to pass a resolution making our city an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

It's a combination of all of these. My responsibility will be to represent my constituents, fight for the people of North Adams, and work to get things done to help improve our community.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

It can always do better. I'd like to see our technology updated at City Hall to allow for all meetings to function in a hybrid environment. I would also like to see our city initiate a Charter Review to update our city government and ensure our type of government still reflects the will of the voters.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Decades of declining population along with a failure to procure funds for necessary maintenance and upgrades to our infrastructure. These are ongoing problems that trickle into every other challenge we face as a city.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

We have a strong, accepting, vibrant community that is ready and willing to work. Our people are our backbone and if we partner with our educational institutions, we can recruit great-paying careers to North Adams. We have a chance to develop into an economic center if we put resources into business recruitment and work together with all of our amazing institutions here and in our county.

Brief biography

Hello, My name is Aprilyn Carsno and I am running for North Adams City Council. My family is from North Adams and I've been a resident for 28-plus years. On Nov. 4th, I'm asking for your support.

My Platform:

•Transparency
• Cutting unnecessary spending
• Infrastructure
• Public safety
• Affordable housing
• Mental health
• Elderly & Disabled

Why are you running for City Council?

To create change

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Yes.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Affordable housing, public safety, mental health

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

Understanding

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

Phone, email and Facebook.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Community Development.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

It all depends on the item at hand.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

No, and yes it could be better.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Infrastructure

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Growth

Brief biography

I have lived in North Adams for over 30 years now, and my family has been here for generations. I am a proud graduate of McCann Tech (go Hornets!), BCC and Elms College. I have had the pleasure of raising two beautiful children here and the privilege of watching my grandchild grow up here, too.

I have a strong background in community and human services, having worked "in the field" for over two decades.

Why are you running for City Council?

We have a beautiful city, and I am proud to call North Adams my home. That being said, there have been a lot of changes over the years — some really good, some, well, not so much. It's important to me that our city continues to move forward and also stays true to who we are.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Yes, and I will probably forget a few. I served on the Commission for Disabilities for the city for about five years. I served with Americorps for two years. I also volunteered at the St. Vincent De Paul Meals Ministry for a few years. For many years, I volunteered with the Girl Scouts, and I was on all of the Parent-Teacher groups when my children were in school.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Accessibility. I know that's a broad topic with a lot of meanings, but they are all important. We have an aging population, and a population of people with physical disabilities who struggle to safely participate in the community. We have people new to the city who are having trouble accessing information and services, and people who have lived here for years who aren't sure what changes are happening in their neighborhood and why the changes are being made.

Everyone should have access to the services and information they need to be able to actively participate in their community.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I have extensive experience serving the community, and I am passionate about ensuring the voices of the community members are heard. I'm committed to helping our city move forward and finding ways to do it without losing the history and legacy we have built.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I am on Facebook ("Carrie Crews for North Adams City Council"), and I have been involved in a lot of "Meet and Greet" events.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

My interests are pretty broad, so I would be happy to serve wherever I am placed. If I had to choose, I would say either General Governance or Public Safety

Can you point to something the majority of the City Council has done that you would have voted the opposite way?

I will probably catch some heat for this one, but the Greylock School Project. I believe our students deserve the absolute best, but I had some real concerns about the timing and costs associated with the project. That being said, the voters and council gave the project the "go ahead," so as a city councilor, it would be my role to help make sure the project is a success.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

Both. The council has a duty to respond to the administration and constituents, and there are also times when strong advocacy is important.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I am a huge proponent of transparency. I love that council meetings are now available on television and online for people who can't be there, and I love that there is a lot of information available online now. The issue that I have seen is that people are having a hard time getting answers to specific questions. I think there is definitely an opportunity for growth and improvement in transparency.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Infrastructure. Repairing it and finding cost effective ways to maintain it.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Finding creative ways to capitalize on the resources we have to increase revenue and build community

Brief biography

Hi all, I am Alexa Macdonald and I was born and raised in North Adams. I grew up by the North Adams hospital and in the West End at my grandparents. As a young person, I felt our city had a lot of potential. I wanted to stay involved in our city, which led me to go to MCLA for college. I recently graduated with a sociology degree. Since 2023, I have been working at the Brien Center.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for City Council because I believe our city has a lot of potential and I want to support growth in our community. We have a lot of citizens retiring and few young people staying in North Adams. There are many reasons that young adults, college graduates and high school graduates aren't staying in the area. Some are unable to find jobs and others feel like there isn't enough to do.

I believe our city needs balance. If we can support elderly, local businesses, increase the number of residents and clean up our downtown area, we will support our economy and citizens. This is no small task, but we need to start somewhere and I would be honored to be a part of that change.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

From 2018 to this spring, I was involved in the ROOTS Teen Center. For four years, I was president of their youth board and on the board of directors for three years. I was involved in several hiring committees, fundraisers and supporting programming for day-to-day operations, such as drop-in. For a small portion of time, I was involved in the Youth Commission for the City of North Adams.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

I would like to address the low number of residents in North Adams and I think that starts with getting young people back in the city.

We need to make North Adams pedestrian-friendly and emphasize our green spaces to be more inviting. North Adams wants to be a tourist city but doesn't have the details like other Massachusetts cities, such as Salem or Northampton. I also believe we need less of a divide between long-term residents and new residents.

Transparency would help us close the divide by updating our North Adams website to add strong details about the local economy and simplifying communication between residents and elected officials.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

As a social worker, I believe that I would bring empathy and a long-term, goal-oriented perspective. I try to see the whole picture and root causes before making decisions. This will help a lot when trying to figure out the best strategies to support all residents.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I have been using Facebook, my webite, and my email to reach out to constituents. I have also been having a lot of face-to-face interactions.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

I would be most interested in the Community Development Committee.

Can you point to something the majority of the City Council has done that you would have voted the opposite way?

As I looked into old meeting notes and considered votes from the last few years, I can not confidently say that in the last year and a half there is a vote I would have voted the opposite of. Several larger votes immediately come to mind that I do agree with.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

I believe that my role is going to depend on what is needed during the meeting. I would like to have more of an activist role while also being a voice for community proposals. I would like to be a voice for residents.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I believe our city could be more transparent with its process. For a lot of working individuals, parents and students, it can be challenging to follow along with council meetings and a lot of folks end up getting their information from social media. I do believe that there are ways to support stronger communication.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

Our city's biggest challenge is our low resident numbers. It affects everything else in our city. We have a low number of people moving or staying in North Adams which affects taxes, empty properties and small businesses closing because of low engagement.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

The city's biggest opportunity is the people. The people in North Adams are special and passionate. I have seen a lot of change over the last six years and I believe we will see more in the coming years. Building a strong community, where people are not only surviving but enjoying life. North Adams has the potential to flourish like it did decades ago.

Brief biography

I have been a resident of North Adams for 32 years. I am a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with degrees in sociology, education, and educational leadership. For the past 26 years, I have worked as an educator, committed to supporting students and strengthening our schools.

While attending college and raising my children, I held various jobs throughout the community, gaining a deep appreciation for the people and values that make North Adams special. My husband is a lifelong resident, and our children all attended North Adams public schools. North Adams is not just where I live. It is where I have built my life, raised my family, and invested my heart.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for North Adams City Council because I believe deeply in the potential of our city and the strength of our community. North Adams has so much to offer, with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. This is a city I love. It is where I have lived, worked, and raised my family. I want to give back by helping shape a future that works for everyone. I believe in thoughtful, community-driven progress, and I want to be part of making positive, meaningful changes that reflect the needs and hopes of all who call North Adams home.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

I have been actively involved in the North Adams community in a variety of ways. I am currently a member of the North Adams Youth Council. My family has hosted many SteepleCats players over the years, which has allowed us to build lasting connections and support the spirit of local athletics. We also award annual scholarships to local high school students to help them pursue their college education.

I have volunteered with the Berkshire Food Project and participated in local clothing drives, supporting neighbors in need. I've always felt it's important to give back, and I truly believe that supporting one another makes our community stronger.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

I would advocate for improvements in infrastructure, increased access to safe and affordable housing, and continued economic growth that benefits all residents. I also believe mental health needs to be a bigger part of our local conversation. Supporting services and resources for mental health is critical to the well-being of individuals and families in North Adams. These are issues that impact people's everyday lives and I want to make sure these issues get the attention they deserve.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

As a longtime resident of North Adams and a dedicated educator currently working in special education, I bring both personal and professional experience to the table. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations and understand the importance of inclusion, equity, and meeting people where they are.

My leadership skills, passion to serve, and commitment to making a difference guide everything I do. I also bring the perspective of a taxpayer and community member who cares deeply about how decisions impact everyday people. I want to be a voice for all residents and help ensure that city policies reflect the values, needs, and diversity of our community.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I've been using Facebook to share information with constituents. My page includes both my email address and phone number for anyone who wants to reach out directly. I believe communication and accessibility are key. My favorite way to connect is in person. I truly enjoy getting out in the community, meeting people, and hearing their thoughts and ideas. Listening to what residents want for our great city is one of the most important parts of this role, and I’m always open to those conversations.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Finance Committee, Public Service Committee, and Public Safety Committee

Can you point to something the majority of the City Council has done that you would have voted the opposite way?

I didn't agree with the council's decision to change the ordinances to match the city charter and state law, especially when it meant removing their role in approving appointments to boards and commissions.

I understand the legal reasoning, but I believe this is something that should have involved the public. Decisions like this affect how much input residents have in our local government, and I feel it should have gone to a public vote. I also share the concern that one branch of government shouldn't have that much control without some kind of check. Having the council involved in appointments, even just as a form of oversight, adds a level of transparency that I think is important.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

I can see my role as a bit of both, and I think that balance is important. There are issues I care deeply about, like affordable housing, infrastructure, and mental health, and I'll absolutely speak up and advocate for progress in those areas. I also believe in being responsive and listening to constituents, hearing concerns, and working with the administration to move things forward. At the end of the day, it's about doing what's best for the people of North Adams, and that means being both a voice for them and a listener.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

I do feel that the city has been getting better at transparency, and it's encouraging to see progress in how things are being done. With improved technology, meetings are now recorded and shared, which makes it easier for residents to stay informed. But there is always room for improvement. We should keep looking for ways to make information even more accessible. Transparency and public engagement are ongoing efforts, and there’s always value in finding ways to do better.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

I believe one of the biggest challenges facing North Adams is balancing growth with the real needs of the people who live here. We need to focus on safe, affordable housing, strong infrastructure, and creating better-paying local jobs. At the same time, we have to make sure that economic development benefits the whole community, not just a few. It's about making smart, inclusive decisions that move the city forward while taking care of those who call it home.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

I believe our biggest opportunity is in our people. North Adams is full of resilient, hardworking individuals with so much untapped potential. When you combine that with our amazing arts scene and strong local businesses, we have everything we need to grow in a meaningful way. If we invest in our community and create more opportunities for people to succeed, we can build a stronger, more connected city for everyone.

Brief biography

I'm Virginia Riehl, a consultant who helps healthcare organizations make transformative change — and I am excited to bring that experience to North Adams. I moved to North Adams four years ago to remain close to my daughter, her husband, and my two grandchildren. All of us have put down roots in North Adams and it truly feels like home.

Since moving here, I've listened to residents, attended City Council meetings, and co-founded the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO) to address one of our biggest challenges: affordable housing. We've hosted forums, pushed for policy change, and launched community fix-up projects.

I believe the city government has an opportunity to build community engagement and trust through improved transparency and communication and will make it a priority as a member of the Council. Last year, I conducted a successful petition drive to require the City Council to hold a public hearing on the city's budget.

Now, as a member of the Planning Board, I'm focused on bringing strategic, long-term thinking to our future. The city government often operates reactively, jumping to meet a crisis as it breaks, and a pivot to proactive and strategic long-term thinking and planning is critical to taking the city from survival mode to growth and sustainability.

North Adams has inspired and challenged me. I'm running for City Council to keep working — with you — to make our city more inclusive, accountable, and thriving.

Why are you running for City Council?

Over the past four years I have attended City Council meetings, immersed myself in the city budget, and worked to educate myself on housing issues. At every turn, I had questions and suggestions for improvement. I do not want to be a critic on the sidelines. I want to be part of the solution. So I embarked on my first political campaign.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

Launching the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO) has been the main focus of my volunteer activities. Along with other NACHO leaders and community members, we have begun to build a grassroots organization that advocates for quality and affordable housing for North Adams residents.

We have held community events, tabled at First Fridays, briefed the City Council on state initiatives to fund housing, and actively supported the new Affordable Housing Trust legislation. In 2024 ,we obtained 300 signatures on a petition to ask the city government to fund two community planner positions — one to focus on housing and a second to work on economic development. It did not happen in 2024, but in the 2025 budget, a new community planner position was added. This work has taught me that progress can be made when we come together, roll up our sleeves, and make change happen.

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

I have already written about my passion for improving housing and that will continue to be a focus for me. I think that housing and economic development need to move forward together. Without quality affordable housing, we will not be able to attract businesses to North Adams.

Without growing our tax base, we will find ourselves placing an increasing tax burden on North Adams residents and we will not have the funds we need to repair and maintain our infrastructure. Bottom line — focusing on only one issue will not get us where we need to go.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

We need to believe that we can make a future where all of North Adams can thrive. It will not be easy or quick, but we must be committed to making progress every day. The council and administration need to set measurable milestones that we are working towards with a plan to produce results. No more studies gathering dust on shelves. Let's focus on a few achievable accomplishments that build momentum toward sustainable and larger changes.

We need to have and use data to help us make good decisions and to measure the outcomes of our efforts. Data may be about city operations, improvements in response times, reduction in crime. We will not be able to judge what we need to do and what works without data as a foundation.

My third perspective is that we can learn from other communities. We do not have to reinvent programs. Other communities can tell us how they succeeded and what lessons they learned. This can help us get on the right track sooner and avoid pitfalls as we go.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

I believe we have to meet constituents where they are. Facebook is a major information source for many North Adams residents. For other residents, community forums and City Council meetings are how they stay informed and make their voices heard. Attending community events, going to the Farmers Market, and just walking around create opportunities for conversations.

In addition to these communication channels, I plan to create something that would be like "office hours" at a café or coffee shop, where people can drop in and talk about what is on their minds.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

I would like to be on the Community Development Committee because it has a role to play in housing and economic development. I would also like to be on the Finance Committee to try to reshape our budget processes so they focus on the outcomes of our expenditures and to promote community participation.

Can you point to something the majority of the City Council has done that you would have voted the opposite way?

The change that I would like to see in the City Council is not about a single issue. It is about how the Council works. I think the council should start each year by reviewing progress made in the prior year and setting out a plan and timeline for the coming year. Included in the plan could be specific ordinances that should be created or updated, a series of forums on key issues, and a schedule of updates by the mayor to the council.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

These are overlapping rather than distinct roles. To me, an activist is an advocate. Advocating for the needs of the community will be my highest priority.
A constituent proposal needs to be supported by advocacy if it is to advance through the council. Requests from the administration need to be given careful consideration and members of the council need to advocate to shape administration proposals to ensure that they will benefit the community and that they are likely to produce positive results. In every case, the voice of the community should be part of the conversation.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

There is no doubt that the government can be more transparent. We need to weave transparency into all that we do. Holding information "close to the vest" creates mistrust. We need to create and sustain a culture across the city council and administration that nurtures and rewards sharing information with the public as early and completely as possible, for example, providing the public with information on grant proposals that are submitted and awarded would be an excellent way to increase public understanding of the significant effort of city staff to maximize funding beyond tax receipts.

There should be more forums where the public can express their concerns and views these could be online or through public hearings. The current two-minute limitation for public comment at council meetings could be relaxed for a period of time to see if, given more time, citizens are able to provide better input to council deliberations. We should also look for ways to have community gatherings that are about dialogue that is not possible within the constraints of a council meeting.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

The city's biggest challenge is the long list of challenges we face and the limited resources we have. We should have a structured process for prioritizing what we will address, metrics for measuring progress, discipline for maintaining focus and regular checkpoints with North Adams residents.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

Our biggest opportunity is to harness the resources we have. This goes beyond dollars and cents. With so many families that have lived here for generations there is a lot of historical knowledge of what has been done, what worked and what didn't, and why. We need to bring this knowledge and experience to our decision-making.

We have a community with wide-ranging experience and expertise. North Adams residents are committed volunteers for many efforts to help others and solve problems. We need to draw on the expertise at our doorstep and create opportunities for community members to contribute to identifying solutions, developing plans to address pressing issues, and helping to implement initiatives. This is not about one-off meetings.

We can create task forces for short-term efforts that do not require a multi-year commitment to serving on a board. We should also look for ways to have volunteers supplement city staff, for example, NACHO updated the city's housing needs assessment that had become outdated and enabled the

Brief biography

I am a housing coordinator at the Brien Center, where day in and day out, I see the challenges North Adams residents face in finding and keeping housing that is safe and affordable. I grew up in South Florida, and I came to Williams College in 2011. While at college, I started dating my now-husband, who is from Clarksburg. We moved away from the area, but came back in 2022.

Why are you running for City Council?

I want to focus on our most important challenges: housing and jobs.

Have you volunteered, participated in business or community organizations, helped in your neighborhood, etc.?

I have spent an incredible amount of my last two years thinking, learning, and advocating about housing. Through the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO), a group I helped found, I have helped several seniors with yard work. I have also advocated for changes at City Council to improve our housing situation, and I am working on a large housing project (the Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust).

If elected, what issue in particular, if any, would you push the council to address?

Housing that is safe and affordable to our young people and our seniors.

What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?

I worked as an EMT at Northern Berkshire EMS before coming to the Brien Center as a housing coordinator. My husband is a teacher at Drury, and I coach gymnastics at Gemini Gymnastics once a week. I have seen some of the biggest challenges that this city faces up close, and I continue to have a particular perspective with our young people and some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?

Facebook. During my door-knocking efforts, I've also grown an email list.

What City Council committee would you most be interested in serving on?

Finance Committee

Can you point to something the majority of the City Council has done that you would have voted the opposite way?

I don't know if I would have ultimately voted down the budget, but I would like to see more pushback from the council about increases in the city budget. The council approved the mayor to use $2 million from the stabilization fund (our "rainy day" fund) to balance the budget (leaving us with $1.5 million in the fund). I am concerned about the financial situation that this puts North Adams in.

Do you see your role on the council as being more of an activist on issues or rather being responsive to administration or constituent proposals?

Definitely an activist. The mayor and city government spend their full-time and energy working on city government. The makes the mayor and others involved in city running the city experts on the details of what makes a city run. City councilors have other jobs — city councilors are business owners, tax assessors, teachers, etc. I think the most important role of the City Council is to be an advocate and a bridge. City councilors need to bring an outside perspective to city government, and they need to bring the important discussions from city government to the people.

Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better?

If city government is a house, transparency is the windows looking into the house. I think the city has a good amount of windows — people can attend meetings and often watch them online; they can find agendas, minutes, and recording online. Transparency is not the same thing as proactive communication — is the city involving the public in decisions in a meaningful way? Is the city government reaching out to people to talk to them about issues that they care about? Proactive communication is hard, and it requires effort and time, but I think proactive communication is worth every effort, and it strengthens the trust in our community.

What is the city's biggest challenge?

We have a shrinking and aging population with big infrastructure costs.

What is the city's biggest opportunity?

North Adams is beautiful, the people are kind, and the community has a strong sense of self. I believe our economy needs to have at least two pillars to be resilient. We have all the tools we need to grow and strengthen our arts and tourist economy — this is a blessing we can't afford to overlook. We also have the opportunity to figure out what the second pillar of our economy can be.