Letter: Retired Fire Chief Supports Macksey for Mayor

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of the most qualified candidate for mayor of the city of North Adams. We need a strong yet compassionate leader who will work with the City Council and others to move this city forward. We need a mayor who is open to new ideas and one who will listen to both sides and then make the decision that will best benefit the city. We need a mayor who understands how government works and who will use all resources available and a mayor who will seek out state and federal funding as well as investments from the private sector. We need a mayor who cares about this city and the services that we provide and one who will set expectations and make sure that they are followed. We need Jennifer Macksey as the next mayor of the city of North Adams

I have known Jennifer for over 30 years and have worked with her in the past. Jennifer is all of the above. Because Jennifer has the experience of working in city government and education, she will be ready to start on day one. She is a strong leader that will make decisions based on data. I have observed first hand that Jennifer listens to the concerns of all of the people with whom she speaks. Jennifer will be the mayor who will be out front working for this city. I believe that she will be the mayor that won’t just talk about the need for a solution to the issues with the public safety building, she will be the mayor to use all of the resources at her disposal to actually get this project underway. As many of you know, public safety is very important to me and while I am happy that the hydrant replacement program is underway, it must not stop there. There must be a plan going forward to maintain these hydrants as well as to inspect, maintain, and replace, if necessary, the underground piping throughout the city. Jennifer will be the mayor to give the support needed to carry out this work. Our firefighters should not have to worry about getting water from a hydrant they connect to.

Those who know Jennifer know that she is her own person who makes thoughtful decisions based on all information given. She is a puppet for no one. Anyone with concerns about this should have a conversation with her. I'm sure you will change your mind.

If you are concerned, as I am, about the future of the city of North Adams, please vote for Jennifer Macksey for mayor on Nov. 2.

Steve Meranti
Clarksburg, Mass. 

Stephen Meranti is the retired fire chief of the North Adams Fire Department.

 

 

 


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


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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.

Editor's Pick

Wild Acres Fishing Derby
Wild Acres, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 8 to noon

This free fishing derby is for youth 14 and older. Catch the biggest fish to get a reward. The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher. 

More information here.

Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Time: Through Sunday
 
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site. 
 
More information and ticket purchase here

Multiple Days

'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.

The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.

More information and tickets here.

'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday

A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.

More information and tickets here.

Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.

Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.

Friday

Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

Dead Man's Waltz
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic songs from bands like The Grateful Dead with a full bar. Bring your partner and dance and sing the night away.

More information and tickets here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Karaoke Night
Methuselah Bar & Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to midnight

Bring your friends and sing your favorite songs.

More information here.

Saturday 

Mass Kids Lit Fest 
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.

More information here.

'Williamstown in 1776'
Williamstown Historical Museum
Time: 11 a.m.
 
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road. 
 
More information here

Berkshire Carousel Opening Day
Berkshire Carousel, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 5 p.m.

The carousel on Center Street opens for the season with face painting and other activities.

More information here.

Mountain Mindfulness Yoga
Mount Greylock Visitor Center
Time: 1 to 2:15 p.m.

This free yoga class is open to all levels. Enjoy the mountain views and connect with nature.
More information here.

Rusted Chains
Zinky's Pub, Dalton
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.

Rusted Chains performs a tribute to the '90s.

More information here.

Sunday

50th Annual Mother's Day Women's 5K/Mile Walk
Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
Time: 8 a.m.

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