Upon reading about Northampton’s fiscal 2027 budget in the Gazette, a few things come to mind.
Yes we need to maintain important city services (schools, police, fire etc.), and keep the city running. Some city councilors seem to forget that they work for us the taxpaying citizens of Northampton. Their job is to represent the people in their ward, their wants and needs. They are supposed to act as a balance and keep the mayor in line.
I agree that there are some upgrades downtown that need to be done. Water, sewer and gas lines and sidewalks need repairs, not enlarging. The Picture Main Street project will cause a traffic nightmare by shrinking the travel lanes. Emergency vehicles will have a hard time getting through. Traffic is busy enough as it is.
At least two of our councilors didn’t like the budget, and said so. The mayor keeps talking an override next year. Good luck. How much more does she think we can pay for her big ideas?
Mark Frost
Florence