Letter: Breen Has Right Experience for North Adams Council

Letter to the Editor02:00PM / Wednesday, November 01, 2023Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

Well, I just voted, and I gave my first vote for City Council to Pete Breen. Why, you ask?

No other new candidate has the experience and devotion and has been as generous with their time. Over the past 40 years, Pete has served on many boards and commissions. He has worked for a variety of employers including MCLA, where Pete was a facilitator and instructor for technology and curriculum development and assistant registrar. Pete took that experience over into the town of Adams, where he implemented the town's entire computer system, serving as the town's technology administrator. Pete then went farther south, where he was a member of the adjunct faculty at BCC for four years.

Shifting gears into education, Pete taught computer science at Hoosac Valley for 12 years, while also serving in the district office and as the pupil transportation officer.

After retiring from compensated work, Pete set his sights on volunteering in North Adams serving on the License Board Commission and serving as the North Adams representative for the Northern Berkshire Vocational School District, and finally, Pete's current passion, serving on the Hoosic River Revival Board.

That's why I gave my first vote to Pete Breen. And I hope that you do too.

David Willette
North Adams, Mass.

Tags: election 2023,

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North Adams City Council Seeking Candidates for Vacated Seat

Staff reportsiBerkshires
08:28PM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council is accepting letters of interest to fill the seat being vacated by Councilor Alexa Macdonald.

Macdonald was elected in 2025 for the two-year term but is moving out of the area. Her resignation is effective on Sunday, Nov. 1. The person selected to replace her will serve out the final year of her term.

"We are asking that individuals interested in filling the vacancy or being considered submit a letter of interest to the city clerk and myself, outlining the reasons for seeking the position, along with a current resume and any other additional information they feel relevant," said Council President Ashley Shade. "Previous experience in elected office is not required. The deadline for submitting letters of interest and supporting materials is Wednesday, Nov. 4th, at noon, which is also our deadline for submitting items to our agenda."

Communications should be sent ashade@northadams-ma.gov and City Clerk Tina Leonesio at tleonesio@northadams-ma.gov. If desired, candidates can email the entire council at citycouncil@northadams-ma.gov.

Shade made the announcement at Tuesday's council meeting, noting the process is outlined in the council's rules of order and aligned with the city charter.

The candidates will be able to speak for themselves at the meeting of Nov. 10, when the council will vote on Macdonald's replacement.

"All candidates will be nominated, and then we will have a vote," Shade said. "It'll be roll call, which is in our rules, and we will name the person that we're voting for by roll call, that's how the voting will happen."

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