I met Benjamin Spencer, candidate for Northampton City Council, in 2020. I was the relatively new Ward 2 Councilor and had stopped by his house to discuss traffic concerns at a nearby intersection. During our conversation, I mentioned a proposal from then-Mayor David Narkewicz that had been shared just days before: to build a much-needed municipal animal control facility on one of the last undeveloped parcels from the former Northampton State Hospital — land that abuts Benjamin’s backyard and neighborhood.
As the neighborhood and city explored the proposal, Benjamin and I didn’t always collaborate smoothly, but we both acted with integrity and worked toward a resolution we could agree on. I committed to helping neighbors understand the proposal and make their voices heard at City Hall. Benjamin reached out to others, stayed in communication with me, and co-organized a meeting between residents and city leadership. That meeting brought the mayor and dozens of neighbors together. He presented his plans; residents asked thoughtful questions and shared their feedback. It became clear the community would support development that improved the neighborhood feel, but the majority would not support a fenced-off municipal facility.
That evening, the mayor agreed to begin the process of making the land available for affordable housing, a proposal Benjamin still supports. In the past five years, I’ve come to very much respect Benjamin. He’s thoughtful, persistent, grounded in community and brings a strong grasp of process — all qualities that will serve Northampton well. I look forward to voting for him this fall.
Karen Foster Cannon
Northampton