Dear Northampton: Waking up this past week and realizing my day wouldn’t include knocking on doors and meeting neighbors was tough. But then I remembered the community we’ve built together. I am awed and inspired by the strength, intelligence, and joy in this city. I am so grateful to the people of Northampton for allowing me to lead in this way, for all of you that placed your hopes into the vision we built together throughout this campaign.
When I announced my run for mayor, I led with a quote: “Being a leader doesn’t mean that you have followers, it just means you go first.” I set out on this campaign to do things differently. I wanted to inspire others with the power of curiosity, quiet listening, and steadfast belief in the capacity of this community to take care of one another.
With your help, we did it.
We changed what running for office means in this city — you don’t have to make promises you can’t keep, but you do have to listen, understand, and promise to put your best foot forward.
I want to congratulate Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra on her win. Being in office is hard. Running for a second term is even harder. This work is not for the faint of heart, and she met the challenge. When we spoke last week, we both agreed to keep the conversation going. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned from the community and discussing how we can find ways to bring people together and ensure all voices are heard.
I also shared with her that I would not seek a recount. As Henri says, “I am proud of you, Mama, even though you lost.”
We lost, but we also won. This has been an historic election in Northampton. Though our city remains divided on many vital issues, we have a largely new City Council and School Committee. It is my sincere wish that after a period of rest and reflection, we can begin the work of healing our differences and working toward common goals. Our hope and momentum rely on staying engaged and connected — we need all hands on deck. Continue to reach out to your electeds, attend public meetings, and engage with each other so that, together, we can heal, move forward, and build the future we want to see.
Thank you all. What a gift it has been to listen and learn from you.
Onwards and upwards — Jillian.
Jillian Duclos was a candidate for mayor in the Nov. 4 municipal election.