North Adams Mayor Bernard Will Not Seek Re-Election

North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard announced today he will not seek re-election.  Elected Mayor in November of 2017 he started his first of two terms in January 2018.

Mayor Bernard released this statement…"I love the City of North Adams, and it has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as mayor of this wonderful community where I was born and raised. I am grateful to the residents of North Adams who entrusted me with the responsibility to work on their behalf for two terms, and I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks and months ahead in order to ensure an orderly transition to the next city administration.

"No one who serves in a leadership position does so alone. In North Adams we are so fortunate to have a team of capable, experienced, professional staff in the city and in the North Adams Public Schools. Our city and school employees are dedicated to the mission of delivering responsive and equitable public services to residents, business, and visitors. It has been an honor for me to work alongside them.

Get our free mobile app

"On a personal level I also have been supported and sustained in my service as mayor by my wife and daughter as well as by my parents whose example as retired North Adams educators inspired me to give back to the city. My family shared the joys of service with me, and held me up when the responsibilities of the job weighed heavily on my shoulders.

"I hope that announcing my intention to focus my full attention on the important work of moving our city forward will create space for other members of our community to consider seriously the opportunity to form campaigns and run for the office of mayor. I will work with whomever the voters of North Adams entrust with the responsibility to serve as our next mayor and am committed to helping provide for a smooth transition."

The city's municipal election will be held November 2, 2021. If more than two candidates for mayor are certified, the city will hold a preliminary election in September to narrow the field to two candidates for the general election.