Letter: Ciolkowski Withdraws from North Adams School Committee Race

To the Editor:

My name is Chelsey Lyn Ciolkowski and I am on the 2025 ballot as a candidate for the North Adams School Committee. As a mom with children in the North Adams Public Schools, as a former educator and social worker, I have a very deep interest in our schools, our kids and our families.

Several months ago, I decided to run for a seat on the School Committee. I took out and filed my papers and my name was placed on the ballot. Several weeks later, a job within the district as a school adjustment counselor was posted and I applied. That decision was made with much thought around what was best for me and my family … and a way that I could very directly serve the system.

I interviewed, was offered the position and I very humbly and with great excitement accepted.

As I am now an employee of the district, I must withdraw from the election which will be held on Nov. 4. I truly apologize for putting the voters and the city in this position but my withdrawal is necessary for obvious reasons. I want to thank all of those who supported me and all those who might have voted for me. I assure you that I am pouring and will continue to pour my heart and soul into the school adjustment counselor position to support all the children and families of North Adams Public Schools.

Please remember that on election day, while my name is on the ballot, I am officially withdrawing from the race. Please do not vote for me. I wish all those on the ballot good luck and much success.

Chelsey Ciolkowski
North Adams, Mass. 

Deep Dive: A Guide to Ballot Questions for Election 2026

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
03:45PM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

This is the second in a two-part series looking at ballot measures and the questions being placed before voters in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Part 1 looked at the history and process for ballot measures.

 

The following is a summary of the nine state ballot measures in the 2026 Massachusetts election, compiled from various sources. Further text and details on these measures are available in the state's official ballot guide and Ballotpedia, a non-partisan non-profit online political encyclopedia.

 

Question 1: This proposal would expand the Massachusetts Public Records Law to the state Legislature and Office of the Governor. This is intended to improve public access to documents and other records. The current public records law only applies to state agencies and local governments.

 

A Yes vote would support this change; a No vote would leave the Public Records Law as it is.

 

On one level, this question is straightforward. However, the details are complex. Massachusetts has often been criticized for a lack of transparency, even with the existing public records law. Passage would send a clear signal of the preferences of voters, but could be challenged or lead to further maneuvering.

 

A primary proponent of this is State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who had also filed a 2024 ballot question that requires an audit of the state Legislature. Among other effects, Question 1 is intended to advance that by allowing her to gain access to the information needed for an audit. It would also make records more available to journalists, organizations and individuals seeking information on legislative and gubernatorial actions.

 

Polls indicate strong support for the concept. However the measure has elicited mixed responses among politicians and officeholders. Gov. Maura Healey has said she supports the bill as long as certain exemptions are included. The state Republican Party and the Democratic Committee have expressed support for it.