Copyright berkshireeagle
To the editor: This Pittsfield native shows that she springs back up when she gets knocked down and hits the ground running. Opportunity was scarce for her before affordable Berkshire Community College. She continues to tirelessly make and share lemonade with it. She makes the dean’s list every semester and juggles college, two jobs and activism so that those who come after her won’t have to. She has a proven record of fighting for her neighbors’ rights. Having worked at the city’s Water Department, she has already learned how to work with people to get things done. She brings something to the City Council that we need: a mental health professional in this time of crisis; a college student when our students lack representation; someone involved in the conversations around affordable housing; and someone whose means reflect Ward 2’s median income, when nearly all of our other councilors and candidates have wealth or dual incomes. Her leadership skills come from lived experience with us all — understanding both the problems and the culture here, and knowing how important our medical professionals and nonprofits are to Pittsfield’s well-being. Her work saves lives and de-escalates North Street struggles. We need someone who understands, who listens to and lifts up their neighbors, who prioritizes building better lives for those of us already here. Please join me in this incredible opportunity to vote for Corey “Kiki” Francis Walker on Nov. 4. Ephraim Alexander Schwartz, Pittsfield The writer is chairman of the Campaign to Elect Corey Walker.
