Elizabeth Warren’s western Massachusetts campaign headquarters recently held its opening on 18 Center St. in Northampton, next to the Iron Horse.
I like its location very much. I am new to the Valley, but this location is easy to remember for most folks in Massachusetts. I arrived on time, but there was already a crowd in the room.
I was greeted warmly by Daniela Michanie, a lovely young woman who is the eastern Massachusetts coordinator for the campaign. Goodness, they all look like my grandchildren!
The headquarters was nicely decorated with bright signs and lovely artwork by Jacqueline Underwood. My favorite was on the back wall where Warren is “pinky swearing” with a little girl and it is charming. There is a board for folks to leave messages or statements of support.
Of course, there were speeches. Zack Mooney, statewide organizing director, introduced the audience to Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, who gave the attendees a very supportive take on Warren because as he said, “she never forgot us in western Massachusetts.”
The state director of Warren’s campaign, Jossie Valentin, spoke about the momentum she was building and how grateful she was to see all 81 of us there. She roused us all. However, in my humble opinion, the most moving speech came from the most recent addition to the Warren campaign in this area.
Kelly Barr, the western Massachusetts coordinator, newly moved from Indiana, spoke about her life on the farm, how Monsanto destroyed her family’s livelihood and how they suffered because of it. It is a story so very similar to many in our country where big corporations abuse and disregard the citizens of our nation for their own profit. It brought tears to my eyes and others around me.
That is why we support Elizabeth Warren’s structural changes. That is why we are canvassing and calling and writing letters. That is why we have marched. The Warren Northampton headquarters is lovely. Barr is a welcome addition to the team at 18 Center St. in Northampton.
Robin Nardi
Westhampton