In the run-up to the town election on November 7 in Amherst, candidates for Town Council and School Committee are beginning to gain endorsements from various groups. Two political action committees and other groups active in town affairs have issued their recommendations to voters. The election will take place on November 7.
Amherst Forward and the Progressive Coalition of Amherst both made their endorsement decisions based on the candidates’ responses to surveys and how well those candidates connect with the organisations’ respective list of top priorities.
The Progressive Coalition is endorsing four of the 21 candidates running for Town Council and four of the seven candidates running for School Committee, while Amherst Forward is endorsing 12 of the 21 candidates running for Town Council and three of the seven candidates running for School Committee.
Katherine Appy, who chairs Amherst Forward, expressed gratitude to the individuals who are volunteering to run for office and are eager to contribute their time and effort to the community.
According to a statement released by Appy, “We have a lot of work to do to ensure that we have more affordable housing for families, healthy and safe schools, and reliable infrastructure that will stand the test of time and serve our town employees and community members well.” “I am excited to see what these candidates bring to the table in terms of their ideas, experience, and dedication during this year’s election.”
Several incumbents are receiving endorsements from Amherst Forward for positions on the Town Council. These incumbents include Andy Steinberg and Mandi Jo Hanneke for At-Large Councillor, Lynn Griesemer and Pat De Angelis for District 2 Councillor, Anika Lopes and Ana Devlin Gauthier for District 4 Councillor, and Pat De Angelis and Anika Lopes for District 5 Councillor.
Other people who have received endorsements for positions on the Town Council are Matt Holloway for an at-large seat, Freke Ette for the District 1 seat, George Ryan and Heather Hala Lord for the District 3 seat, Dillon Maxfield for the District 4 seat, and Robert Hegner for the District 5 seat.
Amherst Forward has decided to support three candidates for the School Committee: the incumbent Irv Rhodes, as well as newcomers Deborah Leonard and Sarah Marshall.
In the meantime, the Progressive Coalition has published a statement saying that it is looking for candidates to promote a more inclusive democracy who are willing to support initiatives such as the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service and a Black, Indigenous, and people of colour community centre. These candidates are being sought for by the Progressive Coalition.
“They stand for transparency, accountability, fiscally responsible government, public engagement, access, equity, belonging, representation, affordable housing, climate justice and sustainability, CRESS, inclusive business community, student and educator centred school district, protective policies for LGTBQ+ students, and investment in infrastructure: youth empowerment centre, BIPOC centre, senior centre, roads, DPW building, fire station and new elementary school,”
