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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Veteran Spotlight: Army Reserve Sgt. Bill 'Spaceman' Lee

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUTH, Mass. — Bill Lee served his country in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976 during the Vietnam War. 
 
The "Spaceman" is the last Boston Red Sox player to miss time for active duty. 
 
William Francis Lee III, grew up in Burbank, Calif., and was born into a history of former semipro and professional baseball players. His grandfather William was an infielder in the Pacific Coast League and his aunt Annabelle Lee was an All-American Girls Professional Baseball player. 
 
"She taught me how to pitch," he said.
 
His father, also William, served in the Army as a sergeant during World War II and saw major action at the Battle of Okinawa as a radio communications soldier.
 
"My dad was tough, old school. My first big endorsement when I was playing was with a Honda dealership in Boston," Lee said. "I went to see my dad to get his thoughts and he says, 'If you come back with a rice-burning car, I'll run you through with the bayonet I took off a dead soldier.'"
 
Lee attended the University of Southern California and was part of the 1968 Trojan team that won the College World Series. He was drafted in the 22nd round by the Red Sox in the '68 draft. 
 
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