Guest Column: Massachusetts Can Help End Campus Violence

One of the most important aspects of the bill is the outline of how proceedings shall be conducted when an incident of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking is reported. Both the reporting party and responding party are given equal rights, notices and opportunity for representation throughout the proceeding.

Letter: Bring Back the Mill Children

We have been told a number of times that meetings and decisions were to occur in the attempt to bring the historic paintings back to life.

Letter: North Adams Going to Pot

This writer is amazed that this legislation might pass and has, thus far, drawn little opposition. It is my belief that the sale of this drug is chiefly about money while disregarding the overall effects on the people who will use it for recreational purposes.

Letter: BMC: A North County Perspective

With all of the recent news on Berkshire Medical Center, the registered nurses' contract disputes and a looming second strike by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, we shouldn't be surprised that financial rating agencies have expressed concern for the future of our community hospital.

Guest Column: Quit Smoking to Celebrate American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is a leading cause of heart disease.

Guest Column: Time to Enact Paid Family Leave

Over the next five months, the Legislature has the opportunity to pass these policies ourselves and avoid the need for an expensive ballot campaign. As co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, my colleagues and I will be fighting for strong paid leave that covers all workers, and that doesn't hurt any single group or leave vulnerable families behind.

Letter: Still Awaiting Answers on Repainting of Pillars

The fact of the matter is that, this citizen and others, have not forgotten and want the issue to be resolved quickly with the ultimate goal of restoring the North Adams children's works.

Letter: Looking For Fairness & Equality in Youth Sports

The Berkshire Blaze had been in existence previously and was re-formed just this past year. The difficulty the team faced was finding a consistent place to practice. Not being part of Pittsfield girls softball meant that using the Doyle fields was challenging.

Letter: Please Shovel Your Sidewalks

Other towns I've lived in fine landlords, business owners, and home owners for not keeping town sidewalks surrounding their buildings clear of snow and ice.

Letter: Treatment Needed for Heroin Addicts

There has to be better places to treat addictions. So many people go to these clinics, yet very few are quitting or getting better.

Letter: City Council Health Care Benefits Must Cease

A recent public records request revealed that although in 2010 the change was made by Mayor Alcombright to discontinue health insurance benefits for board members, City Council members continue to be offered health insurance benefits at a significant expense to the taxpayers of North Adams.

Letter: How We View Young People Affects Health of Community.

Letter: Great American Smokeout Is Nov. 16

Developed by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout is a perfect opportunity to think about quitting and its many benefits — physically, mentally, and financially, and maybe even plan a quit attempt. Remember, quitting can take many tries and help is always available for any tobacco user who wants to quit, whether on November 16 or at any other time.

Letter: Alcombright Endorses Bernard for Mayor

The tasks are complex and no two days are the same. Challenges do not always fit into neat boxes as one moment you are managing the city finances through a recession, then a natural disaster might strike, and very often you find yourself taking on tasks that go well beyond the job description.

Letter: Give One Vote to Harpin

Decisions will have to be made by this City Council and will face many challenges over the next couple years. I am writing this letter to endorse Marie Harpin for City Council because I feel she will best represent tough decisions that will have to be made with the residents in mind. She also will work with our next mayor and City Council to bring new ideas and energy to the table.