EASTHAMPTON — The Nov. 4 general election is quickly approaching and Reminder Publishing has sent questionnaires to City Council precinct candidates that are in a contested race.
Only Precincts 4 and 5 have races on this year’s ballot as candidates in Precinct’s 1-3 are all running unopposed.
In Precinct 4, Robert Peirent and Amanda Newton will face off, while in Precinct 5, incumbent Tamara Smith will be challenged by Catherine Wauczinski.
Reminder Publishing asked each candidate the same three questions so readers can get a taste of who they are and what they hope to accomplish if elected.
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order, per precinct.
More coverage on the upcoming Easthampton election will appear in the Oct. 30 edition.
Reminder Publishing: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Newton, Precinct 4: I have lived in Easthampton my entire life, my family has called this city home for generations, and now I’m proud to be raising my own family here. As a working mom, I bring an intergenerational perspective shaped by my experiences growing up, starting out as a homeowner, raising a young family, and watching my grandparents live out their golden years in this city. My work as an educator requires listening to diverse viewpoints, fostering collaboration, and finding thoughtful, practical solutions — skills that directly prepare me to serve on City Council. I approach complex issues with empathy, creativity, and balance, and I am committed to making decisions that keep Easthampton strong, inclusive, and thriving for generations to come.
Peirent, Precinct 4: I’ve spent my entire 42-year career working with communities across Massachusetts as a consulting engineer, public works director, acting town manager, city engineer, capital projects manager, board member and volunteer. I’ve collaborated with staff and officials at all levels of government and know how to work with elected officials, boards, staff and the public to get things done. As a former co-owner/senior manager of a large WMass consulting firm, I’ve learned to approach complex issues in a thoughtful manner and gather all necessary information to make informed decisions and then share the reasons for my decisions with all those involved.
Smith, Precinct 5: I have been a proud resident of Easthampton for the past 18 years. I have brought my perspective to the Council for three terms: Two as an At-Large Councilor and one as Precinct 5’s Councilor. I am a Full Professor of Health Science at a local University. I have my Ph.D. in Sociology with a specialty in Gerontology, and my focus is training the future healthcare and gerontology workforce in the region. On Council, I serve on the Ordinance Subcommittee and I Chair the Appointments Subcommittee. I have raised five children who attended Easthampton Public Schools.
Wauczinski, Precinct 5: I have lived in Easthampton for over 30 years. I have served as an advocate for over 30 years, to be a voice for those that have not been heard. During that time, I worked as a program director for a large human service agency. I have experience with fundraising, developing and managing budgets and managing groups of employees and volunteers. Understanding these interpersonal dynamics are essential for a City Councilor.
RP: What are some of your top priorities/issues for your precinct that you’d like to address in the first few months if elected?
Newton, Precinct 4: Easthampton should be a place where families, seniors and working people don’t get priced out. I will prioritize rent-stabilization and new housing options, while also finding real solutions to keep property taxes manageable for seniors and residents on fixed incomes. Everyone deserves the stability and security to remain in the community they love. Every resident also deserves to feel welcome and have an equal chance to thrive. I am committed to making city services more accessible, ensuring decision-making reflects all voices, and fostering a community where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Peirent, Precinct 4: Unlike many other candidates, I don’t have a specific agenda or established position on city issues. Instead, as a believer in good government, I want to apply my experience and reasoned approach to enhance local decision making. My background will allow me to immediately jump into areas such as traffic and public safety, infrastructure maintenance/improvements, and planning/budgeting for capital improvements. We all want the same things: good schools, affordable housing, reasonable tax rates, safe streets, a clean sustainable environment, and opportunities for the young, old and everyone in between, and I’m ready to do my part to make this happen.
Smith, Precinct 5: My top priority is to continue working on the affordability of housing within our Precinct. This is a multi-layered issue that includes protecting our green spaces, creating better walkability, encouraging intergenerational partnerships, and meeting the diverse needs of all residents within Precinct 5. My second priority is to advocate for residents of our Precinct who need support programs and services to remain in their homes. We need to work together as a community to meet our needs, and I want to be sure that our Precinct is represented in any City of Easthampton plans. We need creative thinking and planning for the aging of our Precinct.
Wauczinski, Precinct 5: Our aquifer needs to be protected, the zoning changes that are being proposed need to be revamped to specifically address that. As well as focus on not urbanizing our semi-rural city and preserving the agricultural properties.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Newton, Precinct 4: This election is about choosing a representative who will listen with care and work hard to meet the wide-ranging needs of Precinct 4 residents. I’ve watched Easthampton grow and change in incredible ways, and I care deeply about preserving what makes our city so special — our sense of community, our natural beauty, and our small city-town feel — while planning thoughtfully for the future. If elected, I will bring an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a steady commitment to keeping Easthampton strong, welcoming, and thriving for generations to come.
Peirent, Precinct 4: Easthampton is a great community because of the contributions of its staff and elected officials, and the numerous volunteers who contribute their time and resources in an untold number of ways. Thanks to those who already contribute, we would not be the community we are today without you! For those who haven’t yet had a chance to help out, I’d encourage you to find something that you’re passionate about and match it to the needs of our diverse community. The opportunities are endless and are as varied as supporting sports/recreation, arts/culture, the environment, religious/social groups, education, housing, and the elderly.
Smith, Precinct 5: I stand for the needs of all residents in Precinct 5. I have a record of balanced decision making and a bringing a unique perspective to Council discussions.I make my voting decisions with integrity, and I work to protect the rights of the most marginalized of us within the Precinct. This is our home. We are all neighbors. I am honored to represent you as Precinct 5’s Councilor, and I look forward to continuing this important work in the next term.
Wauczinski, Precinct 5: Every voice should be valued. I would approach each meeting as a solemn opportunity to preserve this semi-rural city. The agricultural roots and manufacturing base need to be protected. This city needs to be affordable for all its residents.
