Why I’m voting for Salem Derby as Easthampton’s next mayor — and why you should consider it.
I grew up in the Plains. I went to Maple Street School and White Brook Middle School. We bought our house in 2010. Our kids started in Easthampton Public Schools in 2015. I was lucky enough to be Easthampton’s city planner for six years between 2018-2024. All of this is to say, I love Easthampton like you.
Over the years Salem Derby has been involved in making critical decisions for Easthampton. Those decisions have helped Easthampton evolve over the past 25 years from a humble bedroom community with no vibrancy to a thriving place with many families, older people, art, culture, and new investment. Easthampton needs a mayor with direct experience making difficult decisions — constantly. Salem Derby is that person.
Another important consideration is that while so many issues will be presented to the mayor, only some are within their control. Salem understands this. Other candidates are vulnerable to making empty promises on the “campaign trail” about things they will do as mayor, when in fact the mayor’s authority is often limited. Easthampton needs a mayor who not only knows “what” should happen, but “how” to make it happen. Salem Derby is that person.
Jeff Bagg
Easthampton