Bernard and Tyer Stand With Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition

North Adams mayor Tom Bernard and Pittsfield mayor Linda Tyer have affirmed their commitment to the statement of principles endorsed by the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition through the Everytown for Gun Safety advocacy movement.

The coalition was formed in 2006, by then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and then-Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and 13 other mayors across the country, and has since grown to more than 1,000 current and former mayors.

In a prepared statement, Mayor Bernard said, “Today I joined many of my fellow mayors throughout Massachusetts and across our nation, including Mayor Tyer in Pittsfield, who already have signed on to the Everytown for Gun Safety coalition.”

Bernard added, "Together we can promote reasonable regulations that preserve individual rights while ensuring a strong and uncompromising commitment to public safety.”

In addition to endorsing the Mayors Against Illegal Guns pledge Tyer and Bernard pointed to actions in their cities aimed at responding to and reducing threats of gun violence, including:

• Building stronger relationships at the neighborhood and school levels through focused and intentional community policing programs, including participation in the annual National Night Out
• Deepening partnerships among police departments and community agencies such as the Elizabeth Freeman Center and the NAACP Berkshire County Branch
• Expanding the use of data to inform decision making and enforcement initiatives
• Joining District Attorney Harrington’s Berkshire Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force

Mayor Tyer was quoted as saying, “Mayor Bernard and I extend our deepest condolences to every family, every friend, and every community that has suffered the heartbreak of gun violence tragedies. We walk with you every step of the way in this fight to protect our cities and towns.”