For months now, I’ve walked neighborhoods, clipboard in hand, knocking on doors, meeting residents, listening to concerns, and asking for votes in my effort to become the Ward 3 city councilor.

I heard from residents concerned about the polarization and vitriol in our city and on the City Council. More than one resident used the term “drama,” and said they’re fed up with mistruths, such as if you don’t agree with the SOS “fully fund our schools” campaign you don’t care about children. Most city residents recognize this false dichotomy. We can do better by having a city council that works together and functions well.

For readers just tuning in, you can learn more about my professional experiences, qualifications, and the positions I’ve taken at electlaurieloisel.com.

At the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association forum on Oct. 21, incumbent Ward 3 city councilor Quaverly Rothenberg made a comment that delineates key differences between us, our campaigning styles, and our view of government.

Councilor Rothenberg referred to the iconic line that inspired a generation in John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” She then reversed JFK’s words, urging residents to “ask what your city can do for YOU.” 

OK, let’s look at what Councilor Rothenberg did for you. She skipped 48 votes and abstained 63 times over 19 months. (Noticing a trend, my team sought out this data, studying meeting minutes beginning with the month she started through August 2025 — all public record.) These numbers mean she missed 25 percent of the votes. She failed at the very basics of the job. 

Advocating for Bridge Street School? She made a lot of noise, but what did she do? Ward 3 residents can look to another ward to see how a councilor successfully supported a school. When Jackson Street was in need of more support, its councilor toured the school with the principal to understand the need, and articulated those needs in a letter to the superintendent. The result? Title 1 funds the district can use at any of our schools were allocated to JSS to meet a specific need. This targeted advocacy did not happen for Bridge Street school. BSS got some money, but it was no thanks to Councilor Rothenberg, who now falsely accuses the city of taking funds from BSS.

That’s not true. What’s true is there was strategic advocacy of a kind our ward did not get. Bridge Street is lagging behind our other schools academically and suffering from a chronic absentee problem (as seen in recent state data.) These issues need attention. I would join school council meetings and listen to parents, teachers, administrators and students and then advocate for the school, its students and families. Effective advocacy requires someone who can work with others. 

Councilor Rothenberg’s ongoing attempts to pressure city officials who disagree with her by disparaging them in meetings and inventing conspiracy theories on social media have alienated many and accomplished nothing. She was also the only councilor who did not vote to oppose expansion of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, ignoring the wishes of NPS families.

My plan to work alongside colleagues in a search for common ground will actually be more effective.

I don’t see residents’ relationship with city government as transactional, the way Councilor Rothenberg does. That view poisons goodwill and community spirit. In Northampton, the people we elect are US. There is no THEY, only the relay of democracy, passing the baton and hoping a team player grabs it to continue the hard work. Elected representatives — all of them, including the mayor — are only temporary stewards of our shared resources. 

I’m running in Ward 3, where I’ve lived for more than 30 years, because I have the skills, energy, and temperament to work on a council ready to respond to challenges with practicality, creativity and vision. We must think about this year and next year — and about 10, 20, and 50 years from now. This immediate and long-term view is essential for our schools and school funding, aging infrastructure and climate preparedness.

We need more light, not more heat as we grapple with these charged and complicated issues. We must reject chaos to be a caring community. I ask for your vote Nov. 4 to represent all of Ward 3, at every meeting and in every vote, for the essential and exciting teamwork ahead.

Laurie Loisel is running for Ward 3 city councilor in Northampton.