Letter: Bond Has Knowledge, Experience for Mayor

To the Editor:

I write this letter asking residents of North Adams to join me in electing Lynette Bond for mayor on Nov. 2.

Believe me when I say that this was a tough decision, as I know both candidates, both with different but relevant backgrounds. For me, though, I find Lynette Bond to be the superior choice.

Lynette has experience in large municipal projects, such as the work she did in Adams securing and managing grant-funded projects that reshaped their downtown. She is director of grants and research at MCLA, where she has developed critical skills in grant writing and management which she will bring to the role of mayor. And during her eight years as a member of the North Adams Planning Board, she has played an important role in the economic growth
of our city.

We have been experiencing much-needed growth in recent years. Some may not like seeing another Cumberland Farms, but it provides important additional revenue for the city which this year could amount to over $300,000 -- $300,000 that resident taxpayers now don't need to come up with. Other major plans and approvals of the Planning Board, such as two in the Hardman Park and properties sold to Moresi Associates, increased the value of these properties and will provide strong net gains in revenue year over year.

Lynette has had a very impressive professional career with many achievements, and that isn't even including her considerable volunteer work, such as leading the charge for the rehabilitation of Colegrove Park School and dedicating so much time to youth sports. She is someone who commits to her jobs, employers, and community wholeheartedly.

I have 100 percent faith in Lynette's experience, knowledge, dedication and love for this great city that we call home. So I ask again that you please join me in voting for Lynette Bond for mayor of North Adams on Nov. 2.

Peter J Oleskiewicz
North Adams, Mass.

Peter Oleskiewicz is a North Adams
city councilor.

North Adams Unveils Hometown Heroes Banners

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
04:30PM / Friday, May 22, 2026

Carol Ethier-Kipp holds up the first aid kit her father used as an Army medic in World War II. See more photos here. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City of North Adams honored its own on Friday afternoon, unveiling 50 downtown street banners representing local veterans who served — and continue to serve — the community and the country.

 

More than 300 residents packed the front lawn of City Hall as the community took a moment to reflect on its "Hometown Heroes" during the morning unveiling ceremony.

 

"In a city like North Adams, service is personal. The men and women we honor today are not strangers to us. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our parents, our grandparents," Mayor Jennifer Macksey told the crowd. "... These banners are far more than names and pictures hanging along our streets. They are visible reminders of the values that define North Adams: courage, sacrifice, humility, duty, resilience, and the love of country. They remind every person who passes by that this community remembers our veterans."

 

The banner program launched exactly a year ago. Veterans Services Agent Kurtis Durocher opened applications in October and spent the next six months working with families to bring the project to Main Street and over the Hadley Overpass. 

 

"We gather to recognize the brave men and women from our community who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces," Durocher said. "These banners are more than images. They bear a tribute to service, sacrifice, courage, and pride, and they remind us that the freedoms we enjoy every day have been protected by our neighbors, family members, friends, and Hometown Heroes."

 

Each banner features a portrait of a veteran alongside their military branch and dates of service.

 

Durocher noted that the program was something residents clearly wanted, pointing to how fast applications flooded his desk. He praised the volunteers who stepped up to get the banners made and displayed — including city firefighters and Mitchell Meranti of Wire & Alarm Department, who were installing them as late as Thursday night.