We support Emily “Lemy” Coffin’s candidacy for Ward 1 city councilor and encourage our Ward 1 neighbors to think deeply about the representation we need on City Council.

Lemy is well qualified to be an effective and informed councilor. Lemy has always been interested in public affairs and public service, their Smith College government degree and Smith Social Work School education has reinforced that passion with knowledge. Their experience as a family social worker has professionally honed their active listening and problem- solving skills; key contributions needed to serve constituents.

During this campaign, Lemy has demonstrated an ability to engage with residents around their concerns and hopes for the city’s future. Lemy has demonstrated knowledge about how the city’s budget works, and where there might be opportunities to use funds in creative ways without sacrificing services. They are motivated to create a better future for Northampton and its government’s operation.

Lemy is particularly committed to transparency in the functioning of the City Council and mayor’s office. As a long-term renter, Lemy has a perspective that is crucial to the effective representation of an often overlooked constituency. Lemy’s involvement in the city’s review of public safety needs and policing, in which they did primary research with other cities concerning policies around racial justice, social welfare and policing, contributed significantly to the development of the written proposals current councilors presented for the Department of Community Care. Lemy is looking forward to working with this initiative to see it created and adequately funded.

Lemy is not, as some have portrayed her, a single-issue candidate. Dan Cannity, co-chair of Northampton’s Police Review Commission, has said Lemy was consistently an asset for the commission, bringing a wealth of professional knowledge around policy, best practices and a deep understanding of Northampton city government.

Lemy reminds many of us who were voters here a few decades ago, of the commitment, intelligence, energy, sincerity, enthusiasm and fresh ideas of a previous generation of young leaders. Lemy is exactly who we need to help represent all of us.

Please join us in voting for Lemy Coffin on Nov. 2.

Tom Riddell and Meg Robbins

Northampton