Do you agree that it’s time for new leadership in our city? That’s why I’m running for at-large city councilor in Northampton. I want to solicit the opinions, values, and priorities of all our residents and bring your voices to the decision-making table. We can change the way our tax dollars are being spent. Please join my campaign if this notion appeals to you (www.vote4debhenson.com).

My skills as a clinical social worker and mental health lawyer will help me serve you. I believe in transparent government — not just public comment, but actual engagement with all constituents. How? In this digital age, we have ways to seek and tabulate opinions from residents. Have you been asked by your councilors to weigh in on vital matters for budget prioritizing? Have you tried to engage with the administration to ask questions or voice your concerns, only to be stonewalled or given a pat answer, perhaps with a link to the city’s plans for your tax dollars? Have you given public comment but feel that such opinion does little to change the way our tax money is budgeted?

I want to change the way elected officials interact with residents. I want the budget to reflect the priorities of our community, not just those of the administration and acquiescent city councilors. I believe in a team approach to governing. This community is comprised of very smart and engaged taxpayers, who surely have opinions on how their tax dollars are spent. What better way to govern Northampton than to solicit input from its citizens and attempt to devise a fiscally responsible budget each year that reflects the values of the majority: a team approach. It’s possible and to me, it’s a better way to run this city than the top-down management style that is failing the schools and causing such difficulty in safely traversing our sidewalks and streets.

The mayor’s proposed budget for our schools — that she has publicly agreed is in crisis — will result in over 20 more child-facing positions being cut. Add that to the systematic underfunding of the schools that over the past two years has resulted in over 30 staff cuts and our schools will continue to fail our children/teens. If we allow that to happen, we are complicit in this public education disaster. I want to advocate for the majority’s views — yes, a truly democratic approach.

What about our sidewalks and streets that do not provide safe passage for those with limited mobility? Most of us want walkable sidewalks and safe streets for everyone but especially for those who move through life with a wheelchair. It is possible with adequate funding for city services.

If you want see change in how our city is governed, please join with me and numerous others who have already given me their support to try and make a difference.

Why am I qualified to serve? I have been involved with civic activities since my arrival here in 2018: Ward 3 Neighborhood president; Downtown Northampton Association vp; appointed member of the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board; Walking School Bus “driver” for Bridge Street kiddos; and as a volunteer with Northampton Survival Center and the Academy of Music. Additionally, I have advocated over the years for LGBTQ+ equality and domestic violence prevention & services. See my website for more information about me.

How will I represent you?

I will actively solicit opinions from all constituents via in person gatherings, email listservs, constituent polling, coffee chats, and telephone conversations.

I will organize opinions into majority values and choices for the city’s budgeting process as well as other issues that arise (e.g., Main Street redesign, overrides, etc.).

I will advocate for your opinions, values, and choices within the City Council framework, also involving myself in vital committees that study various issues presented to the City Council (e.g., Finance Committee, City Services Committee, etc.).

Please help me serve you! 1) Join & donate to my campaign; 2) Email me (vote4debhenson@gmail.com) to plan and/or get updates on events in your neighborhood (town hall gatherings); and 3) Come to my Candidacy Coming Out Party at Hotel Northampton, Grand Ballroom on April 30, 5 to to 7 p.m. and hear local music while you munch and enjoy the cash bar. Thank you for reading this and I hope to chat with you soon.

Deb Henson lives in Northampton.