I would like to thank everyone who supported my campaign for councilor at large. The outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for, but the experience was well worth it.
I strove to be a clear choice for the voters as someone who is optimistic about our future, serious about our present, and sincere in my desire to help the city of Northampton live up to its potential.
I congratulate the newly elected city councilors and I trust they share these goals. We must commit ourselves to making Northampton a safe, welcoming and accessible place for everyone. Completing the Main Street redesign and the Resiliency Hub project in downtown Northampton will benefit many members of our community who are oftentimes marginalized. Building housing of all kinds is the best way to address attainability and affordability. Helping people of all ages to connect with their community will ensure we are a city where people can live their best lives. Everyone has different needs. We need to provide people with options. That is progress.
One thing that concerned me during the election was the proliferation and promotion of misinformation. Even more troubling was people’s willingness to believe the misinformation. I wish people took the time to consider what they were being told. A good rule of thumb is that if it sounds unbelievable, it is. Think about it. Best to do some fact checking for yourself.
I look forward to seeing what the new City Council has to offer. I hope there is a departure from the antagonism employed in the past. It accomplished nothing. We have seen a lot of performative nonsense recently. It is unnecessary and unhelpful. I am all for constructive criticism. I am also all for civility, accuracy, and accountability. We should be holding ourselves to the same rules of conduct we ask our students to abide by. We are adults. As a city we have a lot of work to do. We need work together to get it done. I am here to help. If we meet on the street, please say hello. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Benjamin Spencer
Northampton