10/09/19
NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Students in Dr. Samantha Pettey’s “State and Local Politics”
class, part of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Department of History,
Political Science and Public Policy courses offered this fall, will co-host two candidates
forums with the North Adams Chamber of Commerce.
The events, slated for Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 at HiLo, will provide opportunities for the public to meet the candidates who are running for office in North Adams.
According to Pettey, an assistant professor of political science at MCLA, “There is no better way to teach students about local and state politics than including a community-based learning project into the course.
“The local elections this fall in North Adams are a great opportunity for a more hands-on learning experience,” Pettey continued. “Students will get to know what it's like to run for local office — something I hope they take back with them to their home towns and cities after graduation to pursue their political ambitions.”
The two events will ensure that all 14 North Adams City Council candidates and 9 North Adams School Committee candidates will be allowed an opportunity to introduce themselves to the voters of North Adams and talk about their ideas for the future. The first event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m., and the second on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. At each event, candidates will meet informally with members of the community from 6:30-7 p.m. and a public forum will take place from 7-8 p.m.
According to North Adams Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Maloney, "The North Adams Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again work closely with Prof. Samantha Pettey and MCLA's Department of History and Political Science to create a forum for the candidates for elected office and the voters to come together."
Both events will be held at HiLo, located at 55 Union St. in North Adams. The entrance is located on the Canal Street side of the building. Parking is available in the designated lots across from Canal Street, as well as in the designated lot on Willow Dell. There is additional street parking on Union Street and along Willow Dell.
