Letter: Macksey for Mayor: The Logical Choice

To the Editor:

I would like to encourage the residents of North Adams to vote for Jennifer Macksey for mayor of the city. She has been training and preparing for this job throughout her professional career.

Jennifer worked at North Adams City Hall for 16 years going from billing clerk to tax collector, treasurer and chief financial officer, each time being promoted along the way because of her hard work, intelligence, and integrity. She knows how to make and meet budgets, negotiate contracts and deal with the many issues facing the city's operating departments.

After eight years in North Adam's highest financial position, she came to MCLA as director of student accounts responsible for the accounting, receipt, and reporting of millions received annually in revenues from fees, grants, loans, tuition and financial aid sources. Jennifer went on to the next challenge being selected as executive vice president of Southern Vermont College in a national search where she managed all the College departments in tandem with the President. She currently serves as assistant superintendent of the Northern Berkshire School Union administering the finances of several local school districts.

Jennifer has always kept a finger on the pulse of the community and has worked with the idea that someday she would run for Mayor. She has effectively managed large numbers of staff, and efficiently handled significant sums of money. he is a lifelong resident of North Adams and knows the city. She is practical, intelligent, collaborative and has a wonderful view of life. one of her greatest assets is to put in whatever time and effort is necessary to accomplish the goals she sets for herself. She is a strong, personable, dynamic woman who will serve the residents of North Adams well.

Gerald Desmarais
North Adams, Mass. 

Gerald Desmarais retired as treasurer for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

North Adams Takes Possession of Historic Church Street Houses

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:30PM / Tuesday, April 22, 2025

The porch collapsed on 116 Church several years ago. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The state Land Court in February finalized the city's tax taking of four properties including the brick Church Street mansions.

 

The prestigious pair of Queen Anne mansions had been owned by Franklin E. Perras Jr., who died in 2017 at age 79. 

 

The properties had been in court for four years as attempts were made repeatedly to find Perras' heirs, including a son, Christopher. According to court filings, Christopher reportedly died in 2013 but his place of death is unknown, as is the location (or existence) of two grandchildren listed in Perras' obituary. 

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said the next steps will be to develop requests for proposals for the properties to sell them off. 

 

She credited Governor's Councillor Tara Jacobs for bringing the lingering tax takings to the Land Court's attention. Jacobs said she'd asked about the status of the properties and a few days later they were signed off. 

 

It wasn't just the four North Adams properties — the cases for three Perras holdings in Lanesborough that also had been in the court for years were closed, including Keeler Island. Another property on Holmes Road in Hinsdale is still in the court.  

 

The buildings at 116, 124 and 130 Church St., and a vacant lot on Arnold Place had been in tax title since 2017 when the city placed $12,000 in liens.