Priorities

Our community, like every other one in the state, has a revenue issue while facing many, and often competing, needs. We have major infrastructure issues i.e. road and sidewalk work, and four capital projects. I understand that there are fixed costs for many of our current commitments and a need for revenues for future ones. With respect to our budget, I believe that we must live within our means, and that our budgetary decisions should reflect the interests and perspectives of all stakeholders, including the most vulnerable among us. To that task, I bring extensive experience managing and approving operating budgets via an equity lens. With respect to revenue, I believe that we are in need of bold and creative approaches to increase revenue. If elected, I will work hard to unburden community members and to build revenue for our town via a multifaceted approach.

We are amid a climate crisis and the time calls for bold action. This means dedicating time and resources to this effort. If elected to town council, I would seek advice from climate activists, listen to science, and encourage building partnerships with neighboring towns and the higher ed institutions, to help coordinate policies to the extent feasible. I believe effective climate policy requires working collaboratively with others, and advancing strategy that doesn’t negatively impact more vulnerable people and communities.

There is significant political division within our community, which I believe mirrors the national political climate. The division and tension hinders our progress, and prevents us from finding common ground on important issues. I believe that we can transcend political lines, even if we don't always agree. If elected, fostering a sense of unity will be one of my top priorities. I will work to establish open and transparent lines of communication. I will serve all constituents with fairness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to finding common solutions,. Together we can rise above the divisions that hinder us, and forge a united path forward. 

Racial and economic justice in every aspect of governance is an imperative. Elected officials have a responsibility to uphold democracy based on the principles of fair representation and the protection of the rights of all people. This not only fosters trust and legitimacy in leadership among citizens, it also promotes social cohesion and stability. I have received rigorous training in advanced social work practice, pedagogy, and research, all grounded in an anti-racist/anti-oppressive framework. I apply a racial and economic justice lens to all the work that I do in the world. If elected to town council, I will make decisions grounded in a racial and economic justice framework, and work to help foster an anti-racist and anti-oppressive community where all members feel welcomed and heard.

I love living in a college town and believe there are many benefits. That said, I have heard many concerns from the community about our relationships to the colleges and universities, specifically related to enrollment and housing. I believe we need to think creatively about harmonious solutions and that we should continue to build strong partnerships with both UMass and Amherst College in an effort to foster a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship. I believe that we should engage in development that reflects a commitment to diversity and sustainability, with a focus on increasing our tax base, encouraging visitors and welcoming new residents. 

A strong democracy relies on an engaged citizenry. Robust civic engagement reduces inequalities, and ensures that peoples voices, concerns, and priorities are heard and represented in government. If elected, I will encourage greater participation by establishing open channels of communication between me and those I represent. I will target politically marginalized members of our community in meaningful and strategic ways and work to foster a government that reflects the interests of our entire community. 

There is undoubtably an affordable housing crisis in Amherst, as is the case in many other towns and municipalities across our state and nation. This issue is compounded locally for several reasons. We have been converting single family homes into student housing, which is affecting accessibly and affordability, and we have been focused on the development of high end, expensive and exclusionary housing. The town council should prioritize comprehensive housing policies that encompass a wide range of initiatives. This includes incentives to promote affordable housing development, sensible zoning reforms and stricter regulation of existing rental properties. Furthermore, it's essential that we advocate for new and comprehensive housing policies at the state and/or national level. Addressing this crisis demands a multifaceted approach that balances our town's unique housing needs with the reality of our capacity to solve the problem without state or national support.

If elected, I will work to see the Jones library project through to completion. The town has a shared cost agreement with the library, and I trust that the library trustees will continue to successfully raise the remaining funds needed to complete the renovation/expansion. Beyond the initial authorization of $15.8 million plus debt service, any additional spending by the town should undergo careful evaluation to ensure that we do not overextend our financial resources, or overburden taxpayers. I will be vigilant in monitoring project expenses and will work tirelessly to identify funding support for this project. I am also committed to seeing the new school building project through to completion. Additionally, our DPW building and fire stations must be restored. I will be on the hunt for dollars for those projects and will propose a strategy for getting them done.