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We are writing to express our enthusiasm and gratitude for Laurie Loisel’s candidacy for Ward 3 city councilor. As a former reporter and editor at the Gazette, Laurie has been an advanced student of Northampton’s complex political life for decades. Her character is ideal for public service — ethical, earnest, and conscientious. Laurie listens, asks questions, and thoughtfully considers differing viewpoints. Laurie’s civil and unflappable manner will be an invaluable asset in reaching real resolutions to difficult issues on behalf of constituents. We look forward to Laurie Loisel representing all of us in Ward 3.

By JOSEPH BLUMENTHAL

I’m sure many of your readers nodded in agreement when they read the recent letter to the editor that stated, “Donald Trump makes Richard Nixon look like the pope.” Perhaps the author is too young to remember just how awful Nixon was, or is unaware that unlike Pope Francis or John Paul II, who are models of compassion, most of the popes were deeply involved in politics and many were just as unscrupulous as Nixon and Trump.

The apartment building proposed for the corner of Hawley Street and Phillips Place in Northampton has a footprint of 11,537 square feet and a mass of 58,250 square feet, with 70 bedrooms in 5 stories. The proposed development occupies the entire site. There is no green space. All existing trees bordering the site were cut down before a permit was submitted. This is not in-fill; it’s invasion.

By CAROLYN BROWN

One of this year’s biggest Hampshire Pride sponsors is a local company that’s giving the festival plenty of dough – in more ways than one.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — Molly McGovern, the daughter of U.S. Rep. James McGovern and Lisa McGovern and sister to Patrick McGovern, died unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family, according to a statement the congressman’s family issued Thursday morning.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — With municipal elections still six months away, the winds of change are blowing through the Northampton School Committee.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — As the weather warms up and the outdoors become lush with greenery again, Cyrus Copen is looking forward to tidying up overgrown spaces.

By SUSAN WOZNIAK

We find throughout history that there have been rulers we laugh at and rulers we respect. There are some who surprise us with their diligence and others who disappoint us because they tackle little and create less.

By JOHN SINTON

How to make sense of America’s turbulent times? In my role as historian, I tried on period costumes: togas for the death of the Roman Republic, tri-colored cockades for the French Revolution, grey military caps for the Insurrection of the Confederacy, jackboots for Hitler’s Nazi Putsch. Then, I remembered my graduate school training in Russian history and Vladimir Lenin’s grotesquely unreadable but deeply influential treatise entitled “State and Revolution.” 

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — Returning from visiting two students being held in separate detention facilities in Louisiana, U.S. Rep. James McGovern said what he saw firsthand is individuals who are being imprisoned because of their political views.

By CARRIE N. BAKER

After World War II, German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller famously said, “First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out— because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak out for me.” We are watching this happen in real time with the Trump administration.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — The City Council is once again asking the state Legislature for permission to prohibit landlords and real estate brokers from charging prospective tenants a broker’s fee to rent property in the city.

By DEB HENSON

Do you agree that it’s time for new leadership in our city? That’s why I’m running for at-large city councilor in Northampton. I want to solicit the opinions, values, and priorities of all our residents and bring your voices to the decision-making table. We can change the way our tax dollars are being spent. Please join my campaign if this notion appeals to you (www.vote4debhenson.com).

Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area offers our community the rare privilege of observing beavers in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, this privilege is now at risk. Visitors have been walking directly on beaver lodges, crushing these carefully constructed homes and forcing the animals to expend valuable energy on repairs. Also concerning, a sign explaining this harm was placed and quickly disappeared. Causing further harm, unleashed dogs disturb wildlife throughout the conservation area, despite clear regulations.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

The Massachusetts congressional delegation is demanding answers from the federal government after hundreds of arts grants under the National Endowment for the Humanities, including dozens earmarked for institutions in the Pioneer Valley, were canceled on the seeming recommendation of billionaire Elon Musk.

When in the past I have been asked where I went to college I usually respond Boston … maybe mumble something about Cambridge. Now though, I am proud as hell to say, yes, I went to Harvard!

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Grow Food Northampton’s Tuesday Market returns for the season today, with the market’s manager Helen Kahn emphasizing the particular urgency of buying from local farmers this year.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Dr. Melvin Hershkowitz. In the relatively short time he graced us here in Northampton so many benefited from his experience, wisdom, and largesse. While originally coming to Northampton to be close to his beloved daughter Marie, we found him engaged with so many facets of Northampton and regional life.

By JULIA BROWN

To the question why so many people voted for Donald Trump, Democrats commonly reply: ignorance or lack of information — a deficiency of facts, of the knowledge necessary to make a reasoned decision. This was my working definition of ignorance until several years ago, when I began an email exchange with a childhood friend who is a passionate Trump supporter.