I believe the primary responsibility of a City Councilor is to advocate for his or her constituents. I will ensure the residents of Ward 2 have a strong and influential voice as part of a collaborative process in matters of interest and concern. In Ward 2, this means representing and communicating to the residents affected by any development or potential development including Smith College, Round Hill Summit, Village Hill, the YMCA, and land use and zoning issues, to name a few. I will be available for citizens to express their positions and ideas, and their voices to be heard.  I will reliably relay those sentiments to the wider Council.  

City Councilors should propose ideas designed to enhance our community and all of Northampton while providing financial stability for future generations. City representatives should welcome new businesses and jobs to our community that improve our city’s unique character.  I have the necessary experience and negotiation skills to reach out to entities to ensure that our community and city are strengthened from such new business.

I propose a joint venture among the City of Northampton, its residents, and local businesses to create a world-class and artistically creative renewable energy park. This opportunity would save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars it currently spends on electricity and generate an income stream from excess power that the city could earmark for education.  This cooperative venture, financed by participating citizens and businesses, would create jobs, and with the right leadership, can serve as an example to the rest of the valley, state, and nation.

Over the next few months, I look forward to sharing more of my ideas, hearing yours, and working with members of the community to help shape the future of Ward 2 and the City of Northampton.