This upcoming election I am on the ballot for Northampton City Council representing Ward 5. My husband Mike and I have lived in Northampton for 25 years. We’ve raised three kids here, all graduates of our public schools. I recently retired after 25 years as a public school teacher, and I am currently in my second term as an at-large Northampton School Committee member.

The City Council seat that I seek is currently held by City Council President Alex Jarrett, who decided not to run for reelection. Alex set a high bar with his unmatched integrity, collaborative problem-solving, rigorous work ethic, and attentive constituent service. I am proud that he has endorsed my candidacy. If elected, I am deeply committed to ensuring that these same values and standards define my tenure.

Many concerns and issues inspire my run, especially the desire to make Northampton affordable and accessible, the need to support a prudent and responsible budget, the desire to ensure business participation before, during, and after the downtown redesign, and the hope to create a collaborative and productive atmosphere between the City Council and the School Committee. Having seen local discourse become more divisive than resolution oriented, I am committed to representing the needs and concerns of every resident in Ward 5 with a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and respect. We can live up to our ideals, and I’m running to help us do it.

Through my classroom experience, I understand that behind every line item are hard-working people serving their community. Through my School Committee work — and my experience as a teacher — I can serve as a bridge between the School Committee and City Council. We won’t always agree, but we can listen and speak with respect, knowing most of us want what’s best for our community.

If elected I will listen and speak respectfully, and will provide the most factually accurate information possible so that constituents and policymakers can make informed decisions. At a time of ongoing fiscal challenges and polarized politics, I believe the City Council needs members who can tackle the biggest and most complex issues facing our city. I have the experience necessary to make important, tangible improvements to Paradise City. It would be an honor to serve and I ask for your vote.

Aline Davis serves as a Northampton School Committee member at large and is running for the City Council’s Ward 5 seat.