I am an immigrant whose parents and grandparents moved to the United States in 1953 because they believed in democracy and a better future for themselves and future generations.
I moved to Amherst from New York City, and they all followed me here, because of the way Amherst residents live and think. We loved this vocal, involved, opinionated, artistic, athletic, inclusive and diverse town.
In order to ensure that everyone is included in a more equitable and informed manner, I am convinced that Amherst needs to vote “yes” for the new charter. I was once a Town Meeting member and I experienced firsthand how it works, and it is not a pretty picture.
As a result, I do not believe Town Meeting represents the voters of this town adequately. I am not angry because I know that for many people, and for many years, it worked and is steeped in tradition. However, I believe the time has come for change, for many reasons.
We now have a charter proposal, which has been 18 months in the making, with 56 open sessions and 14 listening sessions. This proposal gives us a council that will meet year-round. It will have the time to become well-informed about the issues that we face, and it will have time to deliberate and make thoughtful decisions in a timely manner. It will not be just twice a year, when, on average, only 68 percent of its members attend Town Meeting.
This charter keeps in place the parts of our government that work well for us and gives us an opportunity to improve where we have encountered hindrances. It still ensures lots of opportunities for public discussions and citizen participation at open forums and council meetings. Our elections will be in November, when we expect them, thereby increasing participation.
With fewer representatives, meeting year-round, we will have more and better opportunities to know who they are, what their opinions are, how to reach them and what they are working on. We will be more informed voters and participants.
I believe that each person’s vote will be heard and carry more weight with the new charter and, to me, that is what democracy is all about. Amherst is a progressive town, and now it needs to show that it understands progress, equality and effective government.
Join me in voting “yes” on March 27.
Lilian Kravitz
Amherst