Letter: Macksey Understands How to Manage City

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To the Editor:

As a former administrative officer for the city of North Adams (2001-2008), I write to urge the citizens of North Adams to elect Jennifer Macksey their next mayor. I can attest to Jen's sharp intellect, skilled financial management and good nature during the years we worked together when she was the city's top financial officer. Jen worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of North Adams and has prepared herself, with her strong municipal background and experience in education administration, to be exceptionally qualified to do this remarkably difficult work.

There is no more difficult or important job than that of a mayor; I say this with confidence based on my own diverse and challenging work experience in both the private and public sectors. Jen Macksey has experienced firsthand the inherent difficulties in managing a city to meet the needs of its citizens while continually struggling to obtain and effectively use limited financial and other resources. She knows how to do this job and do it well.

It's been concerning to observe the current city government difficulties resulting in multiple resignations from incumbent city councilors. Now is not the time for on-the-job learning or training. Experience matters. Jen Macksey knows how to effectively position and utilize key resources on day one, which will be critical to the future success of North Adams. For these reasons, I urge the residents of North Adams to cast their vote for Jen Macksey on Nov. 2.
 

Mary Katherine Eade
North Adams, Mass. 

Mary Katherine Eade is a former administrative office for the city of North Adams.

 

 


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Pittsfield West Side School Project Feasibility Study Advancing

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Planners will soon consider exactly how a new West Side elementary school would look. 

On Tuesday, the Schools Building Needs Commission will see an overview of the Preliminary Design Program for the project involving Crosby Elementary School, Conte Community School, and possibly Stearns Elementary School. 

The PDP is the initial feasibility phase that documents space needs, existing conditions, and evaluates design options.  It will be submitted at the end of January 2027; a new school on West Street is estimated to be at least five years out. 

At the SBNC’s Sept. 1 meeting, designers TSKP Studio introduced themselves and outlined next steps for the feasibility study as Pittsfield applies for funds from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

"We are going to prioritize this," Superintendent Latifah Phillips said about Crosby. 

"…The building is in a really challenging condition, so we want to move responsibly quick. We don't want to move too quickly where people feel left behind. We also need to acknowledge that that building is holding on."

The design team has completed nearly 60 school projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, including three net-zero-verified schools.  

An existing conditions assessment and site development requirements were completed, and educational visioning is to wrap up in October. The educational plan and design options will be evaluated for the remainder of 2026. 

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