NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Deanna Morrow, a direct care support worker at the Brien Center's Keenan House North, and recent Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduate, announced on March 10 that she will run for a seat on the North Adams City Council.

 

Morrow has resided in North Adams since 2018.

 

Her priorities for City Council focus on increasing addiction resources, expanding affordable and accessible housing, and more development in public transportation. She is dedicated to making North Adams a welcoming community, especially for future generations. 

 

In the last decade, she said, there's been a sharp increase in addiction without a corresponding reaction for addiction resources available to the public. 

 

As a young person looking for housing in North Adams, she has experienced firsthand how difficult it is to find an affordable place to live. 

 

As a working adult without a car, Morrow knows how difficult it is to get around North Adams and the Northern Berkshires with the current state of public transportation. 

 

Growing up in Boston, she has seen how the public transportation system has the capacity to thrive and run well. It is important to have  additional routes, stops, and funding within BRTA. She is also excited about expanding the city's bike lanes and encouraging residents to use more sustainable transportation.

 

When asked why she decided to run for City Council, Morrow stated, "Because I want to be more involved in the community's decision making process. I also bring a unique perspective being a young woman, a walker, and a renter. These experiences could be better represented on the council. I know I have spent little time in politics but I believe I have a lot to bring to the table based on experiences I've had throughout my life and career."

 

Morrow grew up in Hyde Park, a neighborhood of Boston, and moved to North Adams to attend MCLA in 2018. In high school, she was very involved in Student Government and National Honors Society, and contributed to her community by organizing blood drives, field days, and

fundraisers. During her sophomore year, her school was on the verge of being shut down, but because of Morrow's tireless efforts in organizing and attending meetings, protests, and walkouts, her school remained open to serve and educate students.

 

During her time at MCLA, Morrow spent most of her time volunteering. She developed a food insecurity program called MCLA Swipes, attended the Days of Service and the Winter Blitz, and gave her afternoons to the MCLA Volunteer Center's after school programming.

 

She can be reached at deannamorrow2023@gmail.com.