Election 2009: Kerry Endorses Barrett for Mayor
BOSTON — U.S. Sen. John Kerry on Sunday endorsed John Barrett for re-election as mayor of North Adams."I am proud to endorse John Barrett for re-election as mayor of North Adams. For more than 25 years, John has served the people of North Adams with integrity, passion and distinction," said the senator in a statement. "Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with Mayor Barrett on a wide range of issues important to North Adams and the Berkshires — economic development, education, energy costs and housing.
"Mayor Barrett has been a constant champion of working class families. He's encouraged the private sector to be a strong and vibrant partner in the city's economy and has continually secured the investment of federal and state government into the city's infrastructure."
"His commitment to education has transformed the way the city's public school classrooms operate. When I was recently in North Adams I saw firsthand the success of the laptop computer initiative which provides computers for every student in the middle school. These are the types of initiatives that our children need to succeed in today's global economy.
"His commitment to the arts has propelled Mass MoCA into one of the most visited institutions in the country and has helped MCLA to become one of the premier Liberal Arts Colleges in the nation.
"He's transformed North Adams from a crumbling mill town with an unemployment rate in the high teens into a city that Yankee Magazine has called one of the 'five hidden jewels of New England.'
"Today's economic climate calls for strong and experienced leadership. I believe Mayor Barrett has the vision, the experience and the drive to continue to lead North Adams. I look forward to continuing to work with him as North Adams continues its great progress."
