Letter: Support Bond for Mayor

To the Editor:

I have struggled with whether or not to write this letter, and as I write it, am still struggling with the right way to say what I want to say. I am not a political person, and hope that I don't get the backlash that some do for putting their opinion forward. I was born and raised here in North Adams and John Barrett III was my teacher in fourth grade when he was elected, so I have experienced many elections, some more tumultuous than others.

This mayoral election has been a bit stressful for me since I know both candidates and many of their supporters, on both sides. I worked for Jennifer Macksey and I work closely with Lynette Bond currently. I have felt a bit of pressure to be loyal to someone I worked for and the assumption my vote is going in that direction. I do appreciate Jennifer's support of me while I worked under her so I hope that message does not get lost here.

Both of these women have great qualities to lead our city and I'm confident that we will be just fine with either one sitting in the corner office.

For me, working with both of these women, it is coming down to the style of leadership. I see one as being a bit more cut and dry, and the other having a softer approach to issues but gets the job done. I have seen both exert power just in different ways. I know our city needs a bit of both of these type of leaders, but each of us have our own preference.

After watching the campaigns unfold, keeping an eye on the social media posts, the campaign letters, and the style of outreach, I will be casting my vote for Lynette Bond. Lynette's leadership style and experience outside of city government is just what I think our city needs.

Bonnie Howland
North Adams, Mass.

Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:16PM / Monday, December 15, 2025

Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.

 

"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."

 

The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.

 

The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.

 

Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.

 

The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety. 

 

"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."