Letter: Macksey for Mayor: The Logical Choice

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To the Editor:

I would like to encourage the residents of North Adams to vote for Jennifer Macksey for mayor of the city. She has been training and preparing for this job throughout her professional career.

Jennifer worked at North Adams City Hall for 16 years going from billing clerk to tax collector, treasurer and chief financial officer, each time being promoted along the way because of her hard work, intelligence, and integrity. She knows how to make and meet budgets, negotiate contracts and deal with the many issues facing the city's operating departments.

After eight years in North Adam's highest financial position, she came to MCLA as director of student accounts responsible for the accounting, receipt, and reporting of millions received annually in revenues from fees, grants, loans, tuition and financial aid sources. Jennifer went on to the next challenge being selected as executive vice president of Southern Vermont College in a national search where she managed all the College departments in tandem with the President. She currently serves as assistant superintendent of the Northern Berkshire School Union administering the finances of several local school districts.

Jennifer has always kept a finger on the pulse of the community and has worked with the idea that someday she would run for Mayor. She has effectively managed large numbers of staff, and efficiently handled significant sums of money. he is a lifelong resident of North Adams and knows the city. She is practical, intelligent, collaborative and has a wonderful view of life. one of her greatest assets is to put in whatever time and effort is necessary to accomplish the goals she sets for herself. She is a strong, personable, dynamic woman who will serve the residents of North Adams well.

Gerald Desmarais
North Adams, Mass. 

Gerald Desmarais retired as treasurer for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

 

 

 


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


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North Adams Restaurant to Closing in Two Weeks

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A downtown restaurant announced on Wednesday that it will be closing.

In a Facebook post, Door Prize stated its last day of service is Saturday, Nov. 14.

"We are not making this decision lightly and wish there was another way forward," read the post by owners Bryan "Swifty" Josephs and Jenny Klowden.

"We feel great pride for our successes and for a wonderful year of serving our community. Now on to the next adventure!"

They also thanked their staff and patrons who enjoyed their food 

The restaurant opened over a year ago in Hotel Downstreet after Josephs and Klowden previously had a residence at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, where they sold some of their signature dishes, as well as working in area restaurants, bringing their food to farmers markets and operating a catering business. 

The two named the restaurant after a John Prine song that they danced to at their wedding. Josephs described their fare as European comfort food, with one of their most popular dishes being pierogies. 

They also successfully renovated the covered porch outside the restaurant for dining, raising $7,000 through a Kickstarter

While their post did not allude as to why they are closing, iBerkshires has reached out for more answers. 

The 90-room hotel has reportedly been sold, with a closing expected by the end of the month. Owner Peregrine Group put the former Holiday Inn up for sale earlier this year after purchasing the property for $4.45 million in 2021. According to reports in The Berkshire Eagle, the cost of renovations to the 55-year-old property put a dent into revenues that limited the hotel's ability to cover obligations. 
 
It's not clear if this has anything to do with the restaurant, which operates as a separate entity.
 
"We are not looking for a public discourse on our business model or the closure," the Door Prize post states, inviting patrons to personally contact the Josephs or Klowden rather than comment on the posting. 

 

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