Three Take Out Papers for North Adams Mayor

There's a contest shaping up for mayor as three people have now taken out nomination papers for the corner office.

iBerkshires.com  reports Thomas Bernard announced his intention to run for a second term last month at a kickoff event at the Richmond Grille. This past week, Rachel Branch took out papers and announced on July 3 her intent to run. Also taking out papers is Richard David Greene.

Should all three get enough signatures certified, then a preliminary election will have to be held. That also could occur for City Council, which is now two potential candidates away from a preliminary to narrow the field.

Bernard was elected in 2017 to succeed Richard Alcombright, who decided against running for a fifth term.

Branch, a McCann School Committee member, also had run for mayor two years ago but was eliminated in the preliminary with two other candidates.

The number of City Council candidates is now up to 17, with only five of the sitting councilors taking out nomination papers. Keith Bona, Marie T. Harpin, Jason Laforest, Benjamin Lamb and Wayne Wilkinson are seeking re-election; Eric Buddington, Rebbecca Cohen, Paul Hopkins and Joshua Moran have indicated they would not.