Letter: Lynette Bond Represents Change

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

I am a new resident, having lived here part time for almost 10 years prior. I'm honored to have started a small business (www.thestudio-atbeavermill.com) to provide a much needed service to our community. If the COVID era has produced one positive thing, it's that I now proudly call North Adams my home.

I am what many here would describe as an "outsider." I did not grow up in this town, state or part of the country. I did, however, grow up in a very small town with little to no economy in a very conservative state. I know what lack of change looks like. I know what it feels like to have no vision and to experience little to no progress. I know what communities can become if nothing changes. I know the narrative, and in some ways, I once played a part in that story.

Eventually, I figured out that to change my life I needed to change the story I told myself about myself. I needed different conversations focused on solving problems rather than lamenting the past. I wanted a better life, so I created one. The first step was the hardest, and that was identifying the things in my control that I could change — today.

I hear a lot of amazing people in this community craving change, telling themselves a similar tired, outdated story. I feel the weight of the past in their words and see it clearly in their actions. Decades of stagnation drives the local narrative, yet clearly change is desired. Lynette Bond represents change. She has improved this community in her past work while proudly raising her family here. She has a vision for the future that begins with different conversations towards different outcomes. Her expertise and vision speak to the very thing I hear people wanting: change.

As an outsider who sees not only the potential but the current beauty in North Adams; as a small-business owner who understands the difficulty in thinking differently to live better; I encourage you to vote for Lynette Bond, the representative of change.

Michael Eagle
North Adams, Mass.

 

 


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


If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

View Full Story

More North Adams Stories