In 2016, I was working full-time as a baker at a local grocery store. I’d wake at 3 a.m., drive to the store, ring a doorbell, and wait for the night crew to let me in. Sometimes they couldn’t hear the buzzer. So, in the dark and cold, I’d wait. I worked for the same company in western Massachusetts for 17 years. The most I was ever paid was $14.85/hour. Adjusted for inflation, that’s less than $20. This is common, but it is not a livable wage in Northampton.
Nothing’s as satisfying as getting into a groove frying donuts, but if I was still reliant on that income, I couldn’t afford living in Ward 1. I’m running for the Ward 1 City Council seat as a democratic socialist. I joined the socialist movement in 2017, canvassing for ballot initiatives and candidates, walking picket lines, and serving in leadership. I believe in good union jobs, affordable housing, and defending our communities from systemic oppression. I believe in health care and disability justice, in fully funding public schools and public works.
Northampton is a great city. The people who want to live here, work here, and raise their families here should be able to afford it. There are people at the highest levels of our government who put the needs of landlords and business owners before the needs of our most vulnerable. Change cannot wait. I hope you’ll join me because I’m here to work for the people of this city.
Niko Letendre-Cahillane
Northampton