I am excited to endorse Gwen L. Nabad to represent Ward 1 on Northampton City Council! Let me tell you why. 

Ward 1 is a remarkably diverse corner of Northampton. In our district, we have bucolic single-family homes and garden apartments, walkable condo communities and in-town streets of stately old homes. Ward 1 offers a range of subsidized and market-rate properties of all sizes for all types of families, access to open spaces big (Broad Brook) and small (Agnes Fox Park), and lots of retail access. Our ward represents both the ideal and the challenges of living in Northampton: walkability imperiled by affordability; aging in place threatened by changing, unmet needs; and the environmental toll of roads and neighborhoods built for cars and not for people. 

Gwen Nabad understands our ward’s challenges and opportunities better than most. Gwen currently chairs the Northampton Housing Partnership, serves on the Client Advisory Committee for the Northampton Survival Center, and is active in Grow Food Northampton, to mention just a few roles. If you’re wondering how civic life is organized in Northampton, talk to Gwen. If you’re attending a community event, you’ll likely bump into Gwen. If you want deep civic engagement and policy expertise to represent you on the City Council, vote for Gwen. 

Gwen’s life in Northampton has been dedicated to fighting for residents and long-time community members affected by worsening environmental issues, educational inequities, and rising housing costs and living expenses, especially in subsidized housing. She will bring this proven energy to representing all Ward 1 residents as they age in place or seek to grow their families in affordable, high quality housing that fits their needs. 

How do I know Gwen is the right choice for our Ward 1? I briefly was a candidate myself! (Skip the Gazette for a day and you might have missed it!) Alas, my mind was ready but my heart was not. When I met Gwen, I knew I’d found someone with the heart and mind to represent our ward, knowledgeable on the intertwined issues that shape our lives with an impressive track record of doing the work in the community. Please join me in voting for Gwen Nabad in the Ward 1 preliminary on Sept. 16!  

Leigh Graham, Ward 1 resident and treasurer of the Committee to Elect Gwen Nabad

Northampton