I highly recommend that you vote for Deb Henson and Meg Robbins for the two open at-large positions on City Council in Northampton’s preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Both Deb and Meg understand that the mission for at-large city councilors, as well as for those of each of our seven wards, is to represent the individual needs of their constituents (and not their own). For at-large councilors, that means 28,000 constituents, which can be overwhelming.
One of the dangers of small city governance is loyalty to an in-group of colleagues rather than to those you represent. It’s an understandable temptation: the needs are great even in a small city, and emotions flare regularly. It’s tempting to shelter yourself within a small, collegial group of co-workers, and believe you can do your best work from within that zone of safety.
However, that’s a betrayal of the role. Elected officials cannot talk amongst themselves only: they can’t hold private meetings, confer in secret, strategize at each other’s homes, or plan with each other in such a way as to leave the public out. They should not create the appearance of being overly cozy with each other.
Just as importantly, public comment must be enthusiastically and regularly solicited. The best elected representatives will listen actively, carefully, and compassionately — not focusing on their cell phones or laptops, or watching the clock impatiently until the time for their constituents to talk has ended. Teachers and social workers tend to be great at this.
I can vouch for both Deb and Meg in this regard. They are committed to transparency, communication, and accountability, and they have repeatedly demonstrated those qualities personally with me. They listen like they care, and they problem solve in the same way. Vote for them.
Marianne Milton
Northampton