John R. Taft, Jr.

John R. Taft, Jr. (April 28, 1954 – June 3, 2007 ) was an American politician who served as President of the North Adams, Massachusetts City Council and, in 1983, as the acting Mayor of North Adams, Massachusetts.

Early life

Taft was born on April 28, 1954 in North Adams, Massachusetts to Therese (Judge) and John R. Taft Sr.

Education

Taft graduated with honors from Drury High School.

North Adams City Council

Taft was a member of the of the North Adams City Council from 1980 to 1985.

City Council president

Taft was the president of the North Adams City Council.

Mayor of North Adams

In 1983 Taft served, for two months, as the acting mayor of North Adams.

Candidate for Mayor

In the 1985 mayoral election Taft ran against incumbent Mayor John Barrett III. Of the 4,373 votes cast in the election Barrett received 3,718 votes and Taft received 655.

Veterans' Agent

After he served as mayor, Taft was the veterans' agent for the city of North Adams.

Death

Taft died on June 3, 2007 at the Veterans' Hospital in West Haven, Connecticut.