Folks have been asking me about my thoughts on Town Council candidates in contested races. I choose candidates who are fiscally smart and economically practical, who can work selflessly and objectively toward what’s best for the whole town.
I vet out candidates who are running primarily for personal negative reasons like stopping renters or students from living near them, or wanting to defund the police.
In District 1 I like Cathy Schoen and Freke Ette. It’s true that Freke has less town experience than the notorious petitioner Vince O’Connor. Freke has conversely proven to be independent, rational, fiscally responsible, and a balanced listener on committees on which he has served.
In District 2, I’d stick with Lynn Griesemer and Pat DeAngelis. They and I don’t always agree on everything (like my solar project), but they’re experienced, rational, and support the true needs and concerns of the town. Their challengers have spearheaded the defund the police effort, yet neglected to mention this on any campaign literature I’ve seen.
In District 3, I like George Ryan because he is fair, unbiased, and proactive about our housing crisis.
District 4 is all about my criteria above and I like Anika Lopes, who has a deep history here and is rational and thoughtful. If you don’t like student behavior, let’s address that without eliminating housing opportunities for renters like Anika.
At-large candidates who have proven track records that I will support include Mandi Jo Hanneke, Andy Steinberg, and Matt Holloway. These three are collaborative and willing to compromise before being reactive. They make fiscally responsible decisions; are open-minded to opposing viewpoints; and consistently do what is best for this town. Moreover, they understand we’re in a housing crisis that needs to be solved by increasing supply.
For me, it all comes down to why they are running. Is it to say “no” and fight all the time and pursue personal agendas? Or do they work hard to make our town a better and more equitable place that represents the objective best interests of our town? Your vote matters.
Cinda Jones
Amherst
