Good government needs both the steady hand of experience and the fresh lifeblood of new ideas.
This year’s election in Northampton promises to be one that will allow voters to provide the city with both of those ideals. There are some new exciting candidates along enough experience on the Nov. 2 ballot. Today I am writing in support of one candidate who brings both of those characteristics to the city: Michael Quinlan, who is running for one of the two city councilor at-large seats.
Michael has done a fantastic job as current councilor for Ward 1 and brings the crucial experience of being the only at-large candidate who has recently served on the council. This is crucial, as Michael has the unique perspective of dealing with city government during a pandemic, something we are still dealing with. But he also retains the raw energy of embracing new ideas — and the creativity to forge them himself.
As we bring a new mayor and several new councilors aboard this year, I feel it is crucial to have at least one at-large seat filled by someone with experience that Michael brings to the conversation. I enthusiastically urge voters to use one of their two at-large votes to return Michael to the council.
George Lenker
Northampton