Easthampton mayoral candidates answer questions ahead of Nov. 4

EASTHAMPTON — With the Nov. 4 general election less than a month away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to Easthampton mayoral candidates on the ballot.

This year’s mayoral race includes three candidates: interim Mayor Salem Derby, current Mayoral Executive Assistant Lindsi Sekula and City Councilor At Large Jason “JT” Tirrell.

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.

More coverage of the upcoming Easthampton election will appear in future editions.

Reminder Publishing: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?

Derby: Voters should know that I have dedicated more than two decades to serving Easthampton and that I care deeply about this community. My background — from education and leadership training to years on the City Council and as interim mayor — has prepared me to lead effectively and collaboratively. I’m a problem solver by nature and someone who shows up and does the work. I love this city and will always put Easthampton’s and all of our citizens’ best interests first.

Sekula: As a mom of three public school students, the only woman in this race, and someone who has spent more than seven years working in Easthampton’s Mayor’s Office, I bring a perspective no other candidate can. I know firsthand the challenges families face, and I’ve been at the table drafting budgets, coordinating with agencies, and solving problems to keep our city running. That executive experience matters — because Easthampton deserves a leader who can step in on day one with both the lived experience and the professional know-how to keep us steady and moving forward.

Tirrell: I want them to know who I am, what I stand for, and what I’ll do for them. I was born and raised in Easthampton. I’m a dad, a husband, at-large City Councilor, the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, member of the Rules & Government Relations Committee, President of Little League, and equipment manager at Williston. I stand for community and unity over partisan politics. I’ll work each day to improve the quality of life for ALL Easthampton residents. I am running to be a mayor for the people. I’ll listen, be empathetic, and lead with conviction.

RP: What are some of your top priorities if elected?

Derby: My priorities center on making Easthampton an affordable, sustainable, and thriving place for everyone. That means continuing our work to expand housing options, support small businesses, and invest in infrastructure and public spaces. It also means strengthening city services while being fiscally responsible, and planning for the long term — including climate resilience and sustainable growth. I want Easthampton to be a place where people of all ages and incomes can live, work and flourish.

Sekula: One of my top priorities is making sure Easthampton continues to invest in our city and our residents so people see real progress in their daily lives. At the same time, I’ll always keep a close eye on financial stewardship, something I’m uniquely prepared for after years helping to draft the city budget. I want to develop an updated master plan that not only addresses our immediate needs, like infrastructure, schools, and economic development, but also sets us up for long-term success. Easthampton deserves leadership that can balance vision with responsibility, ensuring a stronger, sustainable future for every resident.

Tirrell: I’ll set a new standard for transparency and accountability. Government is public service. City Hall needs to be open five days a week through creative scheduling and outside the box thinking. I’ll keep Easthampton affordable with rent stabilization so young growing families and seniors on a fixed income don’t choose between essentials. We need to modernize our aging housing stock — responsibly — to be mindful of our environment. I’ll protect our aquifer. I’ll improve infrastructure, bring to life a new senior center, support and honor our veterans and make sure we maintain top notch schools and public safety departments.

RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?

Derby: Easthampton is an incredible city with so much potential, and we’ve accomplished a lot together — but there’s still important work to do. I’m running for mayor because I believe my experience, leadership, and deep commitment to this community uniquely position me to lead Easthampton forward. This election is about building on our strengths and making smart, inclusive choices for our future. I’m asking for your support so we can keep moving Easthampton in the right direction — together.

Sekula: This election is about qualifications and vision. I am the only candidate with more than seven years of executive experience inside Easthampton’s Mayor’s Office — ready to lead on day one without a learning curve. But I also bring something my opponents cannot: the perspective of a woman, a mother with kids currently in our public schools, and a neighbor balancing a family budget while working to strengthen our community. I know how to make City Hall work because I’ve done it, and I know what families need because I live it. My commitment is real, and I’m ready to move Easthampton forward.

Tirrell: My message is to talk to your neighbors in person again. We agree on more things than we disagree, and we don’t have to feed the social media algorithms that divide us. We all love Easthampton and local government matters to our quality of life. Leadership matters. Character and integrity matter. Transparency and accountability matter. I’m the only candidate for change in this race and I’ll always advocate for the best interest of Easthampton. We have an opportunity to ditch divisive political labels and to put community first. I would be honored to get your vote on Nov. 4.