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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North Adams City Council Seeking Candidates for Vacated Seat

Staff reportsiBerkshires
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council is accepting letters of interest to fill the seat being vacated by Councilor Alexa Macdonald.
 
Macdonald was elected in 2025 for the two-year term but is moving out of the area. Her resignation is effective on Sunday, Nov. 1. The person selected to replace her will serve out the final year of her term. 
 
"We are asking that individuals interested in filling the vacancy or being considered submit a letter of interest to the city clerk and myself, outlining the reasons for seeking the position, along with a current resume and any other additional information they feel relevant," said Council President Ashley Shade. "Previous experience in elected office is not required. The deadline for submitting letters of interest and supporting materials is Wednesday, Nov. 4th, at noon, which is also our deadline for submitting items to our agenda."
 
Communications should be sent ashade@northadams-ma.gov and City Clerk Tina Leonesio at tleonesio@northadams-ma.gov. If desired, candidates can email the entire council at citycouncil@northadams-ma.gov.
 
Shade made the announcement at Tuesday's council meeting, noting the process is outlined in the council's rules of order and aligned with the city charter. 
 
The candidates will be able to speak for themselves at the meeting of Nov. 10, when the council will vote on Macdonald's replacement. 
 
"All candidates will be nominated, and then we will have a vote," Shade said. "It'll be roll call, which is in our rules, and we will name the person that we're voting for by roll call, that's how the voting will happen."
 
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