Letter: Tom Bernard for North Adams Mayor

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To the Editor:

Tom Bernard, the mayor of North Adams, shows up. Everywhere. And he would do more if only there were more hours in a day. In a recent Facebook post listing a dizzying number of activities which he led or joined in, Mayor Bernard wrote, "There are so many positive and exciting things happening in North Adams and throughout the Berkshires right now, and it's such a privilege to be part of them. Now if I could finally master the trick of being in three places at once."

With Tom Bernard, it's genuine. He deeply cares about all the people in North Adams — their well being, their quality of life, their opportunities. And he doesn't stop at the city's borders. He "gets it" that in Berkshire County, connections and mutual support create more opportunities for the people of North Adams, so you will see him attending events in the County seat of Pittsfield, too.

I live in Williamstown but work and attend civic events in North Adams. I've seen up close the significant difference that Tom Bernard has made in the city — and throughout North County.



Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is coming upon us quickly. Please take a moment to put the date in your calendar to vote. Every vote matters, even in a city in which campaigns are low key. Votes matter because opportunities matter, attention to righting past city wrongs matter, and moving the city forward in a way that lifts up every single resident matters.

Not only has Mayor Tom Bernard worked hard to earn your vote. There is a slate of candidates for City Council and School Committee who are counting on your vote. Please take the time this Nov. 5 to elect the people who will continue to work as a team with Mayor Bernard to build a better tomorrow for North Adams.

Arlene Kirsch
Williamstown, Mass.

 

 


Tags: election 2019,   


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Neal Announces $600K in Funding for Charlemont Fire Truck

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
CHARLEMONT, Mass. — The Fire Department is getting funds for new fire truck thanks to a boost in investment for rural communities.
 
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was at the fire station on Wednesday to announce the $599,000 award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Communities Facilities Program. The funds were included in the 2026 federal budget.
 
"It's an acknowledgement of the partnership that we have in rural communities," Neal said.
 
"Rural America has many challenges as the tax base arose, and it becomes more difficult for them in some cases to sustain and promote local services, and what's more important than the fire service at the local level."
 
The pumper will replace a 1996 engine. The department currently has five apparatuses that average more than 19 years old. The department was very grateful to be able to upgrade a portion of their fleet.
 
"I really appreciate that you understand the needs of little towns in Massachusetts,"  said Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds. "That's huge. That's what we can't afford. A truck says a lot about, like we said, our tax base, and yet more than a third of our residents on fixed incomes are elderly, and it's really hard to tell them that you need something essential."
 
Neal compared fire departments to the postal service as one of the few remaining face-to-face public services people deeply value, making the new truck very important to keep the community safe. 
 
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