Letter: Macksey Supports Local Businesses

To the Editor:

I am pleased to offer my full endorsement for Jennifer Macksey as the mayor of North Adams. Throughout her tenure and service to our community, Jennifer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the future of North Adams —one that reflects the values of our rich history, progress, opportunity, and inclusivity.

Jennifer's dedication to supporting youth programs is evident in her continued advocacy for initiatives that provide our younger generations with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. She understands that investing in our youth today is essential to ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for our local community.

She also stands as a steadfast supporter of local businesses, recognizing their vital role in the economic fabric of North Adams. From promoting policies that help small businesses grow, to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, Jennifer is ensuring that our local economy will flourish for years to come. Though my personal interactions through my business have been minimal, when I needed help the most, Jennifer showed up and worked hard for my business and staff.

Matt Tatro
North Adams, Mass.

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."