Why this parent supports Mayor Sciarra
As the parent of an eighth grader at JFK Middle School, I’ve seen firsthand how much our schools rely on community support and how much our students care about the future of Northampton. At the recent mayoral forum, my child asked how the city can help schools with fundraising. It was a reminder that our young people are paying attention. They deserve leaders who are, too.
That’s why I support Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra’s reelection. Under her leadership, Northampton has increased funding for our public schools by more than 30% since 2022, with year after year of historic, sustained investment. She has made clear that education is the foundation of a thriving community.
As a parent, I deeply value Mayor Sciarra’s commitment to inclusion and compassion. She has defended transgender and reproductive rights, and has acted to protect immigrant families from regressive federal policies. That broader vision of safety and dignity for everyone is exactly why my own family feels at home here. In our household, where my child uses “they/them” pronouns, this commitment is personal. Even though my job is relocating to Boston next year, I am determined to commute so I can stay in Northampton until my child’s graduation. That’s because I know this is a city where all families can feel safe.
Mayor Sciarra has shown what true leadership looks like. She responsibly manages city resources while still tackling big challenges like affordable housing, downtown revitalization, climate action, and public safety. She has proven that progressive values can go hand in hand with fiscal responsibility, including maintaining Northampton’s AAA bond rating.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra has earned another term. Our city needs steady, experienced leadership. We need someone who listens, collaborates, and gets results. I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting her in the Sept. 16 preliminary election.
Kristen Beam
Northampton