CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING
Your name as it appears on the ballot Years What interests and concerns motivated you to run for Town Meeting? Please touch on at least (*=write-­‐in candidate) Incumbent? Residency one major issue facing Amherst today.
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 1 One year -­‐-­‐ vote for 1
Lillian Israel
5
I am interested in promoting social justice issues and environmental causes. I am a farm worker and a recent college alum and will bring a new perspective to Town Meeting.
Muthoni Magua
James Steinberg
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 1 Three years -­‐-­‐ vote for 8
Helen Louise Berg
15
Alumna of UMass Amherst, English Honors '81. Selectboard candidate 2014. Introduced article for bus to Amherst Survival Center. Will work toward transparency in town government, well-­‐
constructed and well-­‐situated affordable housing. Against UMass sprawl and rapid large-­‐scale development in downtown. Nancy Gittleman
Jolene Hart
X
35
The charter question (against idea that 9 councilmen can better represent us), zoning and housing development, the mega-­‐school.
George R. Keller, Jr.
X
7
Membership in Town Meeting is a special opportunity to support local efforts to guide the development of Amherst in ways which enhance our neighborhoods and our economy by drawing on our rich heritage of natural, historic, human and educational resources.
Daniel Kramer
James Perot
X
6
I’m concerned about ever increasing taxes in Amherst and effects on neighborhoods. I want to see Amherst move forward with right development, in the right places, in the right size, preserving the Amherst for all.
Sharon Povinelli
Deborah Timberlake
X
16
Changes in the Elementary School System led to my involvement at the time. I continue to be interested in our Schools, and in maintaining Recreational Opportunities, sustaining the Environment, and maintaining Services and opportunities for all.
Nicola Usher
2
I feel it is important that the voices of families with young children are represented in TM, especially as we contemplate significant changes in our public schools.
Jane Wald
X
27
Amherst resident 27 years, involved in preservation/cultural vitality 20 years, Town Meeting member 4 years, member of UMass-­‐Town Collaborative to improve relationship. Most concerned about strong neighborhoods, equitable and adequate housing, preserving Amherst's unique character, smart growth, and economic vitality.
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 2 Three years -­‐-­‐ vote for 8
Eric Beal
17
As a long-­‐time resident, educator, regional school parent, and former ZBA Chair, I want to see Amherst continue to grow and thrive through smart economic and land use policies and continued close partnership with our institutions of higher learning. Nathaniel Budington
Rita K. Burke
X
40
Preserve and improve Town Meeting for and by the people: Zoning Changes that benefit special interests while eroding the character of our downtown and viability of our neighborhoods: The need for fiscal restraint as more is not always better.
Sean J. Burke
X
48
I am concerned about the zoning issues being brought foreward and the effect the proposed changes will have on our small-­‐town downtown and neighborhoods. I am in favor of Representative Town Meeting and opposed to a Charter Commission.
Peter Everett
3
As a pediatrician and parent of a kindergartener, I am very interested in the issues affecting our town's children and our schools. I am interested in serving our community and keeping Amherst a 'great place to raise your family'.
Sandra C. Mullin
X
48
We need to provide for a sustainable Amherst with thoughtful funding for schools, roads, and whatever makes it a great place. We need family-­‐friendly zoning, which still allows good business development. Balancing needs is not easy and requires intelligent choices.
Rudy B. Perkins
Christopher E. Riddle
X
45
I don’t have any over-­‐riding issue driving me to Town Meeting other than a general feeling that citizens should serve as a public duty. I care a lot about sustainability and renewable energy, and the economic viability of the town. Marcie Abramson Sclove
29
Ten years have lapsed, but I am an experienced Town Meeting member and a founding member of TMCC. To see us moving forward with the right amount of development in the right places, and civility in our processes.
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 3 One year -­‐-­‐ Vote for 3 Irene Dujovne
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 3 Two years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 3 Claude R. Tellier
18
I believe in democracy with participation of as many citizens as possible in the decision of the community. I am concerned with the high level of taxes and the lack of affordable housing. I support equity and justice for all.
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 3 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 David Clooney
20
Having been a member of Town Meeting before (Precinct 6), I am interested in all aspects of Town business from the mundane to the exciting, but my particular expertise is in the area of public safety. Ruth Hazzard
X
32
Amherst has so much that’s worth caring for, including town meeting, schools, families. I will work to address pressures on housing and affordability; for economic development that supports equality and livability, for democratic participation and celebration of our multicultural community. Jordan M. Helzer
Philip Hart Helzer
CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING
Your name as it appears on the ballot (*=write-­‐in candidate)
Anurag Sharma
Years What interests and concerns motivated you to run for Town Meeting? Please touch on at least Incumbent? Residency one major issue facing Amherst today.
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 4 Two years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 3 Abigail M. Jensen
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 4 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 Richard Blake Hood
Timothy A. Neale
X
22
Alan W. Powell
X
44
Hendrik Vandenberg
1
Tracy M Zafian
16
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 5 One year -­‐-­‐ Vote for 1 Daniel Paul Rivera
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 5 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 Nancy Fletcher Davies
Larry J. Kelley
X
60
Hind R. Mari
X
Michael Mascis
Amy Helene Mittelman
29
40
X
Alan Root
30
34
Lydia J. Vernon-­‐Jones
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 6 One year -­‐-­‐ Vote for 1 Christopher Kostas
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 6 Two years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 2 As a Town Meeting and Finance Committee member, I am motivated to encourage, and support, economic development for the Town that balances growth with fiscal responsibility.
For over a decade in Town Meeting I have always shown up. Contrary to rumor, Town Meeting Works for Amherst. I am committed to continued service for our neighborhoods through transparency and the education of our citizens in important issues.
I am an economist and educator. After living in many communities in the U.S. and abroad, I have now returned permanently to the Pioneer Valley where I grew up. I look forward to actively participating in our unique progressive community.
I served on Town Meeting previously when I first moved to Amherst. I care a lot about this town and its future, including its schools where I volunteer much of my time. I have a graduate degree in community planning.
Ensure the new badly needed South Fire Station gets built, and our First Responder (PD & FD) staffing increases to safer levels. Will work to get better Payment In Lieu of Taxes from our institutes of higher education.
I believe in Town Meeting as a form of democracy that includes diverse voices in decision-­‐
making. I advocate for affordable housing; balanced budget and economic development that meet the needs of citizens of all incomes; climate justice, and inclusive schools.
As a former member of the Finance Committee, I support a diversification of Amherst's tax base. Town Meeting needs to work harder to maintain and improve Amherst's quality of life without relying so heavily upon property taxes.
I am running again for Town Meeting because of my concern about development in Amherst. I am also interested in increasing recreational facilities and resources in the town.
As creative individuals, let’s start becoming a more intelligent community with fewer wealthy hidden special interests. Let’s use our collective brainpower and imaginations to build a more fulfilling Amherst! 13
I want to make sure the town decisions follow the best information available and are logical.
10
I decided to run for Town Meeting because of vacancies and the need to have full representation. I would support creating more parking downtown, increasing the amount of low income housing available, and continuing the preservation of environmentally fragile areas.
Andrew T. Melnechuk
Tambetsu Parks
Shannon M. Rice-­‐Nichols
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 6 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 Cathy Axelson-­‐Berry
10
Nancy Buffone
X
21
Katherine Gilbert-­‐Espada
X
23
Michael Greenebaum
46
Stephen Jefferson
30
Paul Kaplan
Bonnie MacCracken
X
X
27
35
Victoria Silva Morales
X
37
Veronica L. Wagner
Some of my Amherst-­‐related interests and concerns:
* the hideous "New Amherst Aesthetic" endorsed by the town;
* the underlying goals and misleading language of "Amherst for All";
* the hair-­‐raising change from "Book and Plough" to "A+";
* it's my turn to contribute
I am running for another term in TM to support strong K-­‐12 schools, smart economic development and growth, and a better community for all.
I have served in town meeting for three years. I have been a resident of Amherst and a homeowner for 23 years. I am a strong advocate of affordable housing. I think town meeting is a powerful form of democracy. I believe strongly in Town Meeting and it is under attack today. It is representative of the voters of Amherst. It provides a forum where dissent can be freely expressed within an etiquette of controversy. It embodies participatory democracy.
Six years ago, I had a stroke, and retired from UMass. I still administer the summer basketball programs through LSSE. Being a town meeting member is the best thing I have done since coming to Amherst in 1976.
I am proud to represent precinct 6 in Town Meeting and hope to do so for many years to come.
Amherst is where I’ve had my own business; raised four children; and where my family has been devoted to doing public service for decades. More work force and affordable housing are needed to preserve the unique characteristics of our town
I work for Big Brothers Big Sisters and am a former elementary school social worker; Amherst children will do better with more social service agencies, Vince O'Conner for School Committee and a resounding No! vote on The Charter Commission -­‐ Question #1.
CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING
Your name as it appears on the ballot (*=write-­‐in candidate)
Joseph Wronka
Years What interests and concerns motivated you to run for Town Meeting? Please touch on at least Incumbent? Residency one major issue facing Amherst today.
X
15
My main concern is that Amherst continue to play a role in furthering human rights and social justice principles locally, nationally and even internationally. TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 7 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 James W. Como
X
19
Not submitted
Thaddeus E. Dabrowski
John Hornik
X
Arthur S. Keene
42
35
Jeffrey C. Lee
X
21
Karen Marie Lennon
X
15
X
30
As a member of Town Meeting and the Housing and Sheltering Committee, I will work toward development of affordable housing for young families. Without this, Amherst will become a town composed exclusively of students and older people. We need change.
I have been a long-­‐time supporter and member of TM and oppose the efforts of the charter group to promote a different form of town government. I support sustainable and sensible development, sustainable energy and strong public schools.
I believe in preserving the many things that are excellent about Amherst, while facing its problems within the constraints of a limited budget. I welcome input from all of my constituents to help inform my Town Meeting votes.
I’m motivated by public debates of local concerns and interests through active civil engagement at TM. I support neighborhood schools, affordable housing, and planning/development/business practices based on green community principles protecting natural resources, promoting renewable energy, and addressing climate change.
Stephen James Piecuch
Irvin Rhodes
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 8 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 John W Kick
X
16
Maria Kopicki
17
Elizabeth Larson
8
Claudimila Martins
10
Janet Louise McGowan
X
14
Jenifer McKenna
35
Joanna F. Morse
8
Sigurd Nilsen
X
7
Irwin Spiegelman
33
Martha Spiegelman
33
Michele Spirko
10
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 9 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 Gavin Andresen
X
17
Denise Renee Barberet
Barbara E. Berlin
X
27
52
The main issues facing Amherst all have to do with the ability of Amherst to fund all of the critical upcoming Capital Projects
The potential of changing the way government works in Amherst comes at a difficult time. I would like to sit on Town Meeting to add my voice and the voice of precinct 8 to those changes.
Primary among my concerns are education and our public school system, conservation and the environment, sustainable development, and issues of social justice. I also hope to contribute positively to deliberations on the various capital projects that our town is considering.
I support a new elementary school for all our students and continuing to develop a sustainable community, both environmentally and economically.
I'm a Senior UMASS Psychology major, a Fort River graduate, and an Amherst Regional Schools graduate. During High School, I worked four summers at a farm in Hadley. I love Amherst conservation areas and the town meeting for protecting them.
An active volunteer, parent, mediator and attorney, I've worked on school and zoning issues, and helped preserve land on South East Street-­‐-­‐always encouraging School Committee, Planning Board and Select Board to notify and involve citizens in their decisions.
I am particularly interested in affordable housing and in town/gown issues. I have been in town meeting for about 12 years. I have a good attendance record. My children and grandchildren live in town, too. This increases my motivation.
I believe in the direct democracy that town meetings represent. I will work to preserve family-­‐
oriented neighborhoods, conservation land, and maintaining available low-­‐income housing. I support small, multi-­‐age, neighborhood schools and will work to promote local businesses downtown.
I value Amherst’s natural beauty; it’s numerous hiking trails, culturally rich environment and the egalitarian ideals the community upholds. I support initiatives that maintain and enhance our quality of life and the high quality services that define our Town.
To join with others to stop profligate spending on salaries and benefits in the schools and Town government, severely limit spending for consultants, and reduce the number of capital projects that would soon overwhelm the Amherst tax-­‐payer.
I hope Amherst will:
• Preserve and support neighborhoods. • Promote environmental health, ecological balance.
• Establish regular citizen review of departments.
• Put brakes on high cost projects, end using consultants to do department jobs.
• Maintain representative town meeting form of government.
Economic issues facing the town of Amherst are of major concern, specifically our largely residential tax base and our increasing charter school burden. Innovative revenue including a more robust financial partnership with UMass and expanded green energy initiatives are important. Lack of affordable housing in Amherst is hurting diversity. I support environmentally responsible policies that help increase the supply of housing and will make Amherst an even better place to live and work.
Our quiet, livable neighborhoods need protection. Excessive density that benefits only a select few ultimately damages the town. More voices need to be heard, not fewer. We should emphasize respect and collaboration as we work towards shared, mutually beneficial goals.
I have been a TM member and am motivated to run again because our TM governance is now being examined. With some minor changes to make TM more efficient, TM will continue to serve us well in the future.
CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING
Your name as it appears on the ballot (*=write-­‐in candidate)
Joan L. Burgess
Jerry Guidera
Mark Kosarick
Years What interests and concerns motivated you to run for Town Meeting? Please touch on at least Incumbent? Residency one major issue facing Amherst today.
X
40
I seek reelection to Town Meeting because of my interest in stabilizing protecting and enhancing quality of life in Amherst neighborhoods. Good progress has been made since Town Meeting established the rental permit system. More affordable housing is needed also.
X
20
I'm running for re-­‐election to continue to press for issues of concern to long-­‐time Amherst residents and newer families: affordable housing, residential tax burdens, economic diversity, government accountability, educational support and smart growth.
X
62
To show sensitivity and support for our historic neighborhoods, the libraries, schools, parks, beautiful spaces, and to foster family friendly neighborhoods suitable for all ages.
Leonard W. Lucien, Jr
Adam Lussier
Sarah Marshall
4
Craig Meadows
35
*Carol Pope
40
Laura Quilter
3
Maureen Raab
16
Susan D. Roznoy
36
Diana B. Stein
51
TOWN MEETING PRECINCT 10 Three years -­‐-­‐ Vote for 8 Carolyn S. Bentley
Robert Greeney
X
21
Rolf Karlstrom
X
16
John Michaels
X
17
Renee Morgan
Patricia Alyce Stacey
5
X
3
Priscilla A. White
X
14
Elizabeth Windrover
X
14
If elected I will represent and be accountable to fellow citizens. I believe that our present governance structure can do more for its community members in the following areas including, but not limited to: affordable-­‐housing, conservation, economic development, education, and taxation. Amherst's destiny was irrevocably altered by UMass. Two factors key to our survival as a vibrant community are: accommodation of college students and families who now compete for housing, and development that increases the tax base while respecting the town's historic character.
As a long time resident with two children and three grandchildren living in Amherst, I am concerned with education of my grandchildren and the drift I see in the town toward expediency rather than the thoughtfulness and consideration in town governance. I will work to: strengthen residential neighborhoods, preserve and add green spaces to keep our town beautiful, maintain ordinary citizens' access to town government, and to promote civic engagement in our community.
I'm particularly concerned about the schools -­‐-­‐ the proposals to reconfigure our elementary schools, consolidate middle & high school, and regionalize. I also want to understand Town Meeting thoroughly to better assess the proposed changes to Amherst's government.
As a citizen, I am fortunate that at this moment to be able to make the commitment. In the sixteen years since returning, I think there should there be a more diverse representation and accountability on various issues that come to a vote.
I want to participate in community decisions requiring solutions to the housing shortage, school consolidation and parking issues that will have long term impacts. This will require creative thinking and careful consideration of a diverse population's needs without increasing taxes.
I wish to return to Town Meeting. Issues of concern are the needs for a new Fire Station, a new DPW site, schools, funding for Senior Center staff, a crosswalk for elders. I would like to represent precinct 9’s voters.
As a Town Meeting representative I will encourage balance and compromise where fiscal restraint and service maintenance are in conflict. I tend to favor preserving family friendly neighborhoods, especially in town centers. Broad community participation, inclusion and transparency are important.
Developers across the country are working to change zoning in college towns to maximize profit, ignoring real impacts on communities. Our healthy town meeting with strong neighborhood advocates is more important than ever. I will help Town Meeting WORK to keep Amherst livable.
I believe we must protect our neighborhoods while simultaneously searching for ways to support our residents as they struggle to remain in this vibrant community. We should also work diligently to keep town meeting which has served us well. Last year, I represented Precinct 7 on issues such as affordable housing, clean energy, and development. Now, as a resident of Precinct 10, I am also concerned with walkability/bikeability of the downtown area and our relationship with UMass.
I am concerned with finding ways to meet Amherst's need for cultural and economic growth that do not strip Amherst of the very qualities that make it a high "quality of life" place to live. We must be able to
Jennifer Lynn Taub
I am committed to restoring affordable housing options for families and people who work in Amherst, along with creating a healthy mix of quality residences throughout our local neighborhoods. I support efforts to make our community more sustainable.
I am concerned about keeping Amherst affordable for families and maintaining neighborhoods that are a mix of students and families.