Letter: Macksey Is a Proven Leader

To the Editor:

I am proud to support the re-election of Mayor Macksey. I have known Mayor Macksey for more than 20 years and I have had the pleasure of working closely with her and seeing firsthand her leadership for North Adams.

Mayor Macksey is special because she truly cares about people. Her values are founded on compassion, and that comes through when you see her supporting local youth sports, rebuilding our senior center, and ensuring that our schools have everything our community can muster. She has remained close to the community as a mayor, but more importantly, as a neighbor, mentor, and friend.

Mayor Macksey does not shy away from big challenges; she confronts them head-on. The rec center revitalization speaks volumes about her resolution. What was once a facility on the brink now serves as a hub for community activity thanks to her leadership, dedication, and coordination.

Mayor Macksey’s time in office has demonstrated her rare combination of strategic vision and personal commitment. She is equally capable of securing funding through state and local grants to improve our city and following through on those projects. Her attention to the issues, great and small, reflects her devotion to those whom she serves.

Not only will you see her greet residents with genuine warmth, but she listens and acts on the needs of her constituents. Her leadership is not about policy, but about people.

Constructive and collaborative leadership is more essential than ever, and Jennifer Macksey has proven herself to be exactly the kind of leader North Adams needs.

On Nov. 4, I will be voting for Mayor Jennifer Macksey. I encourage all my neighbors who want to move our city toward a better future to join me.

Ian Bergeron
North Adams, Mass.

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Monday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.

 

"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."

 

Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.

 

She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 

 

"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...

 

"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."

 

The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.