Campaign Statement: Morrow Running for North Adams City Council

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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.
 

 

 


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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."

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