Money is a tricky thing in our society. Some believe money is an energy that is needed to do anything, while others believe money is the root of all evil. Some give their money away, and others make money the most important part of life. Whatever we think about it, we must all live with money in this society. Dollars have stakes, and the way they flow can give someone wealth and power — or hunger and suffering.
Thinking about money can lead us to uncomfortable questions, like “Why is my rent so high?” or “Why does Northampton end each year with an extra $10 million, and where does that money go?” or “Why does one man own so much of the land in Northampton?”
If you take the Big Lebowski’s advice and “follow the money,” you may find some uncomfortable realities, even in your local government. Northampton Ward 3 City Councilor Quaverly Rothenberg spent much of the last two years following the money, and has found many uncomfortable realities. In response, establishment politicians give us lessons in politeness and respectability politics. But hunger, power, wealth, and suffering don’t wait for us to be polite — what does it mean to tell a starving person they are being too rude?
For people like Elon Musk, money can be transformed into things. But for ordinary people, work is transformed into things. I believe in a Northampton that makes community happen by living and working in it, not a Northampton that tries to buy community with money. Quaverly has been a pillar of our community for many years. She did this by investing her labor and energy in the community, giving her time above all else. Money is one small part of this energy, but it is far from the most important.
I believe in a strong democratic community that makes money work for its people, and does not sacrifice the wellbeing of its people for money. This is why I fully support Quaverly Rothenberg for Ward 3 city councilor.
Will Chaney
Northampton