Copyright berkshireeagle
NORTH ADAMS — Mayor Jennifer Macksey has been elected to a third term. She received about 69 percent of the votes, handily defeating challenger Scott Berglund 2,022 to 899, according to unofficial results from City Clerk Tina Leonesio. "To some, this is an easy win, but you never take for granted the people's trust," said Macksey on Tuesday at her celebration at The G.O.AT Sports Bar. "You don't know how proud I am to serve this community." She will take office Jan. 3, 2026, according to the city charter and serve a two-year term. Macksey was first elected in 2021. "The work is far from done. This isn't about the next two years for me; its about the next 10," she said. "I can't tell you how grateful I am." On the campaign trail, Macksey touted her longtime experience at City Hall, securing grant funding and passing the Greylock School project last fall. Berglund pushed being a new voice for the city, pledging more transparency in the administration and accused Macksey of not sharing information until the last minute. Berglund, who has talked about being a cancer survivor, got involved in politics after hearing about the potential use of cancer-causing herbicides at a logging project at Notch Reservoir — a project Macksey ultimately vetoed. Berglund said he did not support putting the Greylock School project on taxpayers before other infrastructure improvements. While Berglund criticized Macksey's communication with residents, Macksey said she held things close to her chest until ready. In the City Council races, incumbent councilors Andrew Fitch, Bryan Sapienza, Keith Bona, Peter Breen, Lisa Blackmer, Ashley Shade, as well as challengers Marie McCarron, Alexa MacDonald and Lillian Zavatsky won seats. Incumbent Councilor Pete Oleskiewicz was unseated, and challengers Virginia Riehl, Carrie Crews, and Aprilyn Carsno came up short.
