I am excited about Kiam Jamrog-McQuaid running for city councilor at large! It’s hard to pay attention to local matters in the world we live in but city government is on the front line of protecting us.
Kiam is already leading. Housing is a top challenge in Easthampton. We don’t have enough, creating two challenges. First, people can’t get homes. Having a home is a human right and the basis for self care. Secondly, it makes housing too expensive. If housing consumes too much income then health, food, and happiness are all negatively impacted. As part of his work for Easthampton Affordable and Fair Housing Partnership, Kiam led a zoning proposal which is exactly what Easthampton needs. It should be passed immediately.
Kiam is a needed expert on housing policy. Being able to accurately predict the outcome of an action (or inaction) is necessary when it will effect 16,000 people. I hope folks have seen how badly “vibe” governance and incurious leadership hurts us. Kiam is obviously not an expert in every challenge we have but Kiam finds experts to help guide him.
Curiosity and learning solves problems. Kiam has demonstrated this ability. When questioned on the effect of dense housing on the aquifer, Kiam learned from UMass Amherst hydrologists. When challenged on unfamiliar transportation issues, rather than blustering, he met with his questioner and experts to learn.
Kiam knows what we need every leader to know: that “doing your own research” doesn’t mean searching “why am I right” on the internet. Kiam is data driven. For many problems, there is data that informs the best solutions. I want city councilors who consider and value data, not uninformed opinions and gut checks. Not every question is one that can solved with data. There are questions of character, of morality, and of the soul of this city. Kiam embodies the best of what Easthampton can be.
Please join me in voting for Kiam Jamrog-McQuaid for City Council. He will help make this city even better than it already is!
Sean Abbott
Easthampton