I think it is unfortunate for Amherst that several candidates for the new Town Council have sought support from a Political Action Committee that functions like a political party. The PAC promotes only those candidates who commit to vote in accordance with the PAC’s positions, rather than reach consensus as a governing body, after the robust conversation Town Council was supposed to encourage. It appears to me the PAC often disparages independent candidates in an uncivil and intolerant tone. This is ironic, considering their major goal of replacing Town Meeting with Town Council would be a more effective structure to provide healthy debate. This required allegiance is at the extreme end of “effective,” as democracy should not be expedient. As a result, candidates that adhere to this PAC lose points, in my book, even if they seem intelligent and experienced. I lean more strongly to those who promise to collaborate in daylight, whose openness will truly move Amherst forward.
Ira Bryck
Amherst
