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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Police Grant Raises Concerns for North Adams Council

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council postponed action on a federal policing grant until the city solicitor could weigh in on several clauses referring to federal investigations. 
 
A motion to accept the grant failed 4-2; a motion to postpone to the Oct. 13 meeting and refer to the solicitor passed unanimously. 
 
The fiscal 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant is in the amount of $14,231. Mayor Jennifer Macksey explained that this grant is for the construction of an evidence room — not for technology or equipment — but to meet "best practices for secure storage documentation and then long-term holding."
 
Police Chief Mark Bailey said anyone brought into the station is under constant video and audio surveillance and that the goal was to ensure a continuity of evidence from the time it is taken from a suspect until it appears in court. 
 
"This buildout is to actually make our current evidence room into something more efficient for us, and to make sure that we're following the the accreditation process," he said. 
 
The current evidence room is not big enough or secure enough internally for storage of evidence, including drugs and firearms, that might be kept for years as cases work their way through the court system. 
 
"My goal is to eventually get accredited with the state. In order to do that, we have to have certain parameters for our evidence room, not just cameras or locking mechanisms, but within the evidence room as well," the chief said. "So this buildout is to actually make our current evidence room into something more efficient for us, and to make sure that we're following the the accreditation process."
 
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