Letter: Macksey Is Doing the Work

To the Editor:

My career in public education spans over 32 years, including 18 years at the district office and 13 years as superintendent of schools for two communities. In that time, I have worked with several municipal leaders and each has brought their knowledge, expertise, and experience to the role of mayor. Because the education department is often the main agency connecting vulnerable families with services, schools serve a vital role in providing for the physical safety and emotional well-being of the children in the community.

The quality of education in a community impacts economic development and infrastructure, making the school
system important to all community stakeholders.

When Jennifer A. Macksey first became mayor for the city of North Adams, I must admit to initial apprehension of developing a working relationship with her. She was a longtime resident of the city and had served as a business official for a neighboring district in addition to her experience in municipal finance and higher education. Through her commitment to public education, I have found that Mayor Macksey is truly a collaborative educator at heart and her
passion to improve the opportunities and outcomes for children comes from a deep commitment to her city.

Mayor Macksey is an action-oriented woman who willingly interfaces with every stakeholder with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Whether the issue was closing achievement gaps in a post-pandemic era, engaging with the community regarding facilities use, or providing one-on-one support for a struggling student, this mayor was actively engaged in decision-making and advocacy.

Administrators, teachers, and support staff feel heard, seen, and appreciated in negotiations, discussing contentious issues, or dealing with a crisis.

Despite the rhetoric and tactics of many political figures today, she is not given to the high drama, hyperbole, and disinformation as a campaign strategy. Mayor Macksey speaks clearly and directly, but does not make remarks with the intent of scoring points. She stands by her word.

I am proud of all that has been accomplished and continues to be accomplished each day in every classroom of the North Adams Public Schools with her leadership. I hope that the voters recognize the added value of Mayor Jennifer A. Macksey and re-elect her to continue doing the demanding work necessary for her city, because that is what she has been doing for North Adams. She is doing the work.

Barbara Malkas
Clarksburg, Mass.

Malkas is retired superintendent
of the North Adams Public Schools.

Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. 

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

 

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members. 

 

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

 

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

 

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

 

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."