On November 6, I will be casting my vote in District 5 for the first town councilors. Though I don’t have a say in the town councilors in the other districts, their values, beliefs, and decisions will impact my life. Peter Vickery, an Amherst Forward-endorsed candidate for District 2, does not share my values and beliefs that all Amherst residents deserve to be and feel safe in our town.
On May 8, 2017, Amherst Town Meeting overwhelmingly voted in favor of the Amherst Sanctuary bylaw, a bylaw whose purpose is to affirm Amherst as a welcoming town, and to ensure public safety and trust between law enforcement and all members of our community. Of the 169 Town Meeting members who voted on the bylaw, 98 percent, or 165 members, voted in favor of it. Among the four people who voted against it was Peter Vickery. The Sanctuary bylaw was endorsed by the Amherst Select Board, the Amherst Human Rights Commission, and the Amherst Police Department. Connie Kruger of the Select Board, which unanimously voted in favor of the bylaw, said it best when she said “This bylaw … comports with our community values.” The bylaw was so non-controversial that discussion about it on the floor of Town Meeting lasted only eight minutes. Peter Vickery was the only member who spoke against it.
It’s worth noting that Peter also voted against the resolution to impeach Trump (he was one of 13 who voted against it, compared with 116 who voted in favor).
Voters in District 2 should ask themselves, does Peter Vickery represent my values and beliefs?
Jennifer Page
Amherst