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Should you reelect me, I will continue my mission to change city government for the better by demystifying the political process and making it more accessible for the people it is designed to serve. I will also work to ensure that essential services come first in Northampton; schools, roads, sidewalks, and safety should be the first step toward a better city for all.
REPRESENTING WARD 7, LISTENING TO YOU
Engaging in the political process shouldn’t be hard, but the unfortunate reality is that many times, it is. Ward 7 residents lead busy and full lives and often cannot participate in council meetings where decisions are being made about our community. What’s more, Ward 7 has always had a unique makeup of hardworking, independent-thinking residents. I will work to be sure that the greatness of Ward 7 and its unique cultural identity is not overshadowed by Northampton center. I will continue to represent you and make engaging with government on a local level as easy and pleasant as possible.
SCHOOLS AND SERVICES
Ward 7 residents want to see their tax dollars working for them. We want to share a city that is safe and beautiful, where “bread and butter” services are prioritized. That’s why this term, I’ve renewed my focus on schools and services. Safe roads and sidewalks, strong infrastructure, and dependable, affordable services, are truly essential to our community.
Perhaps our most important city service is our public schools. Northampton’s greatness, in fact, relies on the quality of its school system; it’s why people choose to move here and it’s part of what breeds such a vibrant, civically engaged city. I see school funding as a investment in the future, not simply a cost to our city. Our schools need to meet the needs of students, especially the most vulnerable: students of color, poor students, and students with disabilities. As a city, we need to pivot our financial plan to more robustly fund schools and services. We also need to continue working alongside our state representatives to change the state funding formula for our public schools. If elected, I will take on this important work and continue to advocate for smarter spending in Northampton and a fairer, more accessible city for all.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Ward 7 is sometimes forgotten when it comes to maintaining roads and sidewalks. I will continue to advocate for any safety and maintenance needs. For example, I’ve been meeting with groups of residents about increased flooding issues on our roads and on residents’ properties. I have been advocating on their behalf to the DPW and recently secured a drain on North Farms Road to mitigate flooding concerns. It is my utmost priority to keep Ward 7 safe and liveable for all residents.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
I will work to give Ward 7 resident a voice in development and will prioritize stabilizing rents and housing costs. It is clear we need more housing in Northampton, especially affordable housing and attainable “workforce” homes. I believe in smart infill–development that advances our affordable housing goals, aligns with the city’s climate regeneration plan, works within the realities of our existing infrastructure, and invites community voices early on.
During my time in office, I have consistently supported affordable housing and the expansion of our bike, trail, and public transportation systems, advocating for well-planned infill that is informed by community voice.
Rachel Maiore for Northampton City Councilor, Ward 7 