I’ve been dismayed to see how many Northampton city councilors and School Committee members have chosen not to run for reelection in November, and I have no doubt that burnout is a factor. But I’m glad to see that in spite of the challenges, excellent candidates are stepping up to run for some of these seats. As a resident of Ward 3, I was particularly energized by Laurie Loisel’s announcement that she’s running to be our city councilor. As a former Gazette reporter and editor, she’ll bring to the role an extensive understanding of the council — its history, its responsibilities, its challenges, and how councilors can work together for the benefit of our community. She also will bring her broad understanding of Northampton as a whole, her keen intelligence, her calm presence, and her ability to ask incisive questions and listen to differing viewpoints. At a time of so much uncertainty, I will feel much more optimistic with Laurie Loisel in our corner.

Megan Rubiner Zinn

Northampton