Copyright berkshireeagle
To the editor: It’s that time again when voters will get to make their choice for mayor. This year, Scott Berglund is challenging Mayor Jennifer Macksey. Other than being a political newcomer and a relatively new resident of the city, little is known about Mr. Berglund. I know he has twice defeated cancer, and while I sincerely congratulate him on beating the beast, that is not a credential for overseeing a municipality with a $50 million-plus budget. He says that if elected, there will be “transparency” in his administration. Ironically, his campaign has been anything but transparent. Not once, even in the mayoral debate, did he cite any qualifications to be mayor. What experience does he have? What is he bringing to the table? In fact, what does he even do for work? I’ve never seen or heard that reported. Throughout the debate with Mayor Macksey, his replies to questions were filled with phrases like “from what I hear,” “people tell me” and “it’s my understanding that...” Not one answer referred to his own experience or firsthand knowledge. He recited a wish list of things he’d like to do but never said how he’d get them done — or paid for. On the flip side, Mayor Macksey has a strong financial and administrative background. Before being elected mayor, she served in several administrative roles for the city, including treasurer/tax collector, and held administrative positions in education at MCLA, Southern Vermont College and the Northern Berkshire School Union. As mayor, she is not only the city’s chief executive but also chairs the School Committee and the School Building Committee. Under her leadership, the police department is now housed in an ADA-compliant facility. She worked with Berkshire Health Systems to reopen the city’s hospital after 10 years. Her administration secured grant money for improvements to the Ashland Street corridor, including new sidewalks. The Brown Street bridge is slated to reopen, and a new elementary school is being built, with the majority of the cost covered by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Mayor Macksey is a lifelong resident of North Adams who knows its history and cares deeply about its residents. She’s not a Johnny-come-lately trying to persuade voters that, after just two years in town, he can fix things without saying how. I urge everyone to join me on Nov. 4 in voting to re-elect Jennifer Macksey as mayor of North Adams. Paul J. Moriarty, North Adams
