Why I'm Running
After a long career in public service in Windsor CT (18 years on the Town Council), and over 30 years professionally employed in the car business, I thought I had retired. But, when Mayor Sciarra proposed a budget in May 2024 that would require (and lead to) cutting public school services and requiring 22 job losses, I had to speak up. Our mayor believes there is not enough money for everything she wants to do, and so she cut public school services rather than change her plans and spending priorities. That’s just wrong. Children should never be the first to pay the price.
I was very disappointed that the majority of the City Council agreed with her plan, including my own Ward 2 city councilor. And while I have spent that last year involved with other Northampton citizens fighting for our schools, I’ve also paid attention to the other things our city government is doing. Given my municipal government experience in a community of the same size, I have a unique perspective to offer. One thing that has been missing is the belief that there is more than one way to do something, that other places successfully accomplish their goals in different ways. The dominant view in our city government is that the path we are on is the only way is just incorrect. Our city government needs new ideas, creative solutions, and a willingness to question old dogmas. That’s where my experience comes in. I have done just that.
Northampton citizens have voluntarily raised taxes through overrides. I am one of them. I voted for the last override because I was told it was necessary to prevent service cuts. Well, we got the service cuts anyway. The current fiscal plan of the mayor also requires regular override tax increases. It also includes permanent cuts to our public schools and underfunded essential services. That’s a bad combination. I don’t mind paying taxes, as long as we are getting what we paid for. And, we are not.
We deserve leadership that takes responsibility for decisions, corrects problems when they happen, and are willing to change course if needed. We deserve leadership that communicates and meets with the community on a regular basis.
Between now and November 4th, I hope to meet as many Ward 2 voters as possible to talk about your concerns and my proposals, and to earn your vote.