The Berkshire Eagle reports City Councilor Jason LaForest is exploring a run for mayor, after an announcement from current North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard that he will not seek a third term.

LaForest, who first was elected in 2017 and is serving his second year as the council’s vice president, told The Eagle it is “almost certain” that he will pull papers to run in April.

Though LaForest confirmed his plans with local reporters Tuesday, he said he had been considering the run since before Bernard’s announcement and has received a positive response so far.

 “North Adams truly needs broad, transparent leadership,” he said. “That reflects who we are as a community, where we have been and where we need to go together, against the backdrop of tight finances.”

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