Creation of the Council marked a historic change for Amherst. One that is still evolving!  

I have been honored to be elected and re-elected as District 1 Councilor since its inception. I am running for re-election with the central goals of seeing the new elementary school open and continuing to use my skills as an economist to address Amherst’s fiscal and growth challenges. 

My experience on the Council will provide a strong base to build on as we look to the future. My co-councilors and fellow committee members have elected me Chair of the Elementary School Building Committee, Chair of the Joint Capital Planning Committee, and Chair of the Finance Committee.

My Top Priorities for Action Include:

• See the new elementary school open in 2026: supporting students in a model of green “net-zero” building
• Repair roads and sidewalks
• Prioritize spending on urgent needs (schools, essential services) to minimize taxpayer impact
• Ensure that development enhances our neighborhoods, protects open space and farms, provides affordable housing, and addresses climate change.
• Advocate for North Amherst neighborhood concerns: sidewalks, intersections, speed limits, and opportunities to enhance our community

We must assure adequate budgets for our schools and essential Town services. And we have a back-log of important capital needs, including our roads, Public Works Building and Fire Station.

The next two years will require difficult choices and setting priorities. If re-elected, I will seek creative solutions and to build consensus with financial accountability.

I will draw on my experience as a policy analyst and public activist as well as my years on the Town Council. I have been active in debates about zoning, public safety, analysis of the Town’s budget, keeping voting polls open, and bylaws.

I have skills and expertise that fit well with the Town’s need for financial analysis, and affordable approaches to moving forward. Trained as an economist, I have more than forty-five years of experience working on pressing public concerns, with in-depth knowledge of health insurance and public finance. I have the ability to analyze complex issues and find paths forward.

As Councilor, I will continue to work to sustain and enhance the vibrancy and diversity that makes Amherst such a special place. Success will depend on a Council that values transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and keeping open-minds

Amherst has been my family’s home for more than 40 years and given much to all of us. To give back, I commit to listen, weigh choices, and continue be a strong independent voice for residents of District 1 and all of Amherst.

I am honored to have been endorsed by the Sierra Club in 2019, for my ideas for and commitment to energy initiatives in Amherst.