West Massachusetts News

Richard E. Neal was mentioned in IN RECOGNITION OF MAYOR TOM BERNARD..... on page E1373 covering the 1st Session of the 117th Congress published on Dec. 14, 2021 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

IN RECOGNITION OF MAYOR TOM BERNARD

______

HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

of massachusetts

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to Tom Bernard, a devoted public servant, for all that he has accomplished during his tenure as Mayor of the City of North Adams, Massachusetts.

Mayor Bernard has invigorated the City of North Adams by expanding economic opportunities and fostering modern, future-oriented growth. His administration has focused on increasing green initiatives, with the integration of electric vehicles in the city's fleet, strategic action to decrease North Adams' carbon footprint, and launching the North Adams Tree Initiative. In addition, Mayor Bernard has been a staunch advocate for the marginalized in his community, working actively to increase diversity and inclusion initiatives within the city's government. Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day in North Adams came largely as a product of Mayor Bernard's advocacy on these matters.

Mayor Bernard has put significant effort in updating critical infrastructure in the city of North Adams despite the many challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Bernard successfully replaced all the non-functioning and malfunctioning hydrants, while simultaneously overseeing a full reevaluation of the city's 60-year-old zoning laws, creating an avenue for much needed commerce in the city.

Madam Speaker, in light of Mayor Tom Bernard's many achievements and remarkable contributions to the City of North Adams and the western Massachusetts community, I wish to congratulate him once again on his successful tenure as Mayor of North Adams. He has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the development of North Adams for years to come, and I am delighted to join with his family, friends, and the entire North Adams community in thanking him for his dedicated service.

____________________

SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 215

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.