With the election this Thursday, I do not understand why residents of Northampton would vote for Ryan O’Donnell who already is a City Council member for Ward 3 and vice president of the council.
Please do not tell me about the good he could do as an at-large councilor, since I would think he is already doing so. City Clerk Wendy Mazza stated that the estimated cost of the primary election was $20,000 times two, or $40,000.
If O’Donnell is elected it means another election. I am not willing to waste money on another election just so O’Donnell can be an at-large councilor. That is money that could be spend on schools, roads, or other needed city programs.
My vote is going to Marlene Morin who I feel is very capable of of doing a great job on the Council, especially with her background as an attorney.
I urge voters to not waste any more tax dollars when we have a capable candidate in Marlene Morin.
Erin O’Brien Wolcott
Florence
It has been a great privilege to work with Ryan O’Donnell on the City Council, and I enthusiastically support him for councilor at-large. As neighboring ward councilors, we have had many shared issues and opportunities to work together. His innate talent, ability and work ethic are unparalleled in my experience.
Ryan is passionate about this area, where he is from, grew up, went to school and where his family has deep roots. His enthusiasm for public service and his devotion to Northampton are inspiring.
I have been continually impressed by Ryan’s ability to look at the big picture and yet dig down into the smallest details of an issue. His approach to legislation and problem-solving is often creative and always forward-thinking. He brings the same diligence to his tireless and fair work for his constituents. He has been a committed ward councilor, but has also always thought about the city as a whole, and balanced the different needs and concerns of the seven wards.
I know no one better qualified or who will work harder for all of Northampton. I ask that you join me in voting for Ryan O’Donnell on Thursday.
Gina-Louise Sciarra
Northampton
Ryan O’Donnell was a newly elected city councilor from Ward 3 in 2012 when we first met.
I was serving as the Board of Health representative to the Transportation and Parking Commission at the time. At the first commission meeting after the election, I arrived early.
A young, well-dressed man approached me to shake my hand. It was Ryan. His poise and composure was evident. A new chair had to be elected at the outset of his first meeting.
At the start of nominations the City Council chambers settled into silence. Grizzled, long-term members shrank into their seats as eyes swept the room.
Awkward time went by until a member nominated Ryan. It made perfect sense. He represented a vocal, active electorate in Ward 3. He was new, and we assumed unaware. Ryan shouldered the role as chair and worked extremely hard and quickly to learn the mission of the TPC. Ryan listened respectfully, sought consensus, commented constructively and followed through on items that needed more information or had implications for the City Council.
While the large, diverse TPC could have easily become dysfunctional, it didn’t because Ryan quickly gained the respect of TPC members through his diligence and hard work. His campaign slogan, “No One Will Work Harder for Northampton,” is truthful.
Ward 3 has a long history of distinguished representation on the City Council. Now, all of us have an opportunity to benefit from Ryan’s commitment and hard work
William Hargraves
Northampton
I am writing to express my support for Ryan O’Donnell in the at-large City Council election.
In the time that I have come to know Ryan, I have been extremely impressed by his dedication to the residents of Northampton. Despite not being our ward councilor, Ryan has attended many events hosted by the parent-teacher organization at my children’s elementary school and has continually shown support for the school community.
His dedication to public service has helped foster an interest in volunteering in my kids.
As a mother, a volunteer and a resident, I am grateful to have an intelligent, respectful and responsive public servant leading by example. I am confident that his dedication to our community will only grow in the position of councilor at-large.
Summer Cable
Northampton