Letter: Thank you, 1st Berkshire District!

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To the Editor:

I just wrapped up a campaign for state representative for the 1st Berkshire District.

I did not win. But I am forever grateful for this opportunity and experience. And I'm proud that my opponent and I kept our campaigns clean. Campaigns have the opportunity to be ugly, to tear a community apart, but I think this primary election actually helped bring our community together and that's exactly what I was hoping for.

While I was certainly hoping to win this race, I can say with complete confidence that my team and I worked our tails off and ran a positive, forward-thinking campaign. Together, we built real momentum and came within 159 votes of defeating a long-standing incumbent. That's newsworthy. But more importantly, it's a clear sign. It's a sign that our region is ready to move forward, to rebuild, to come together, to show up, to take action, and to build a bright, successful, and affordable future for all of us.

I am so deeply grateful for your support and encouragement. Whether or not you voted for me, it was one of the biggest honors of my life to chat with you at your doors, brainstorm solutions to challenges at cafes, and celebrate with you at community events. We have an amazing district of 13 municipalities full of world-class educational institutions, cultural attractions, businesses, natural resources, rich history, and a supportive community.


Sure, I'm tired from not getting enough sleep all year. But I'm even more hopeful and eager than ever to keep doing the work of building a stronger community.

I'm not going anywhere. I'll continue working hard on North Adams' City Council, growing Steeple City Social, serving on boards & community organizations, and launching new projects.

We built something together. Let's keep building. And let's have a blast as we're doing this work. I look forward to seeing you around the district!

With love and gratitude,

Andrew J Fitch
North Adams, Mass. 

 

 


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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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