NORTHAMPTON — With the Nov. 4 general election under a month away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to at-large City Council candidates on the ballot.
This year’s race has been narrowed down to four candidates for two open seats: incumbent Garrick Perry, and newcomers Deb Henson, Meg Robbins and Benjamin Spencer.
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’ responses are listed in alphabetical order.
More coverage of the upcoming Northampton election will appear in future editions.
Reminder Publishing: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Henson: I am a lawyer and clinical social worker who will elicit your opinions for how your tax dollars are allocated and will advocate for your priorities to be reflected in the budget process. I have advocated for the most vulnerable among us, e.g., LGBTQI+, women and children in domestic violence, and children receiving special education services in schools. I am a lesbian mom having raised my kids in public schools. As a lawyer, I possess the skills for researching and assimilating information. I also have clinical skills to help collaborate as we work to bring your priorities to the city governing process.
Perry: I’m a proud father of two kids currently attending our Northampton Public Schools. One attends JFK, the other, Smith Vocational School. I care very deeply about the children and future of Northampton and that is part of every decision I make as an elected City Councilor. A big part of my life is that I have been one of the lead vocalists/emcee of my band, The Alchemystics, since 2004. I’ve toured many cities, states, and countries and I’m always excited to return back home to Northampton. Love of our Valley and local scene fuels my desire to keep contributing to our area.
Robbins: I am a history teacher, a researcher, an organizer, a big picture but detailed thinker. I am fond of solid evidence-based data. I like people. I follow through. I have been disdainfully called a “tree hugger” by a well-known local developer. There have been many changes over my half a century here in our quirky Northampton. My engagement with city issues has been energetic and hopeful. I have learned a lot about what works well and what doesn’t. Let’s create a people’s strategic plan that ensures Northampton retains our reputation as Paradise City for the next 50 years.
Spencer: I regularly go to City Council meetings, Planning Board meetings and housing partnership meetings. I have a long track record of being engaged, collaborative and outspoken around issues in the city of Northampton. All of this work has been an opportunity to learn how city government functions and to develop a greater appreciation for the hard work and commitment of our elected officials, city staff, members of committees and boards, and other engaged citizens. I will work collaboratively with everyone.
RP: What qualities or experience make you qualified to serve as an at-large City Councilor?
Henson: As a lawyer and clinical social worker, I have a history of advocacy: sex discrimination and same sex partner benefits. I will work diligently to understand the needs of children in our public schools. I will work to bring the School Committee’s recommendations into the budget and will vote for the “opt-in” provision that allows the council to increase school spending. I served as Chair of Friends of St. John Cantius who defeated the builder’s attempt to demolish that historic building. I was President of Ward 3 Neighborhood Association for two years and a Director of Downtown Northampton Association for seven years.
Perry: I’m currently At-Large Councilor. Over four years, my work includes serving on: Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service, the Public Service Advisory Committee for CDBG funding, Reparations Study Commission, Liaison for Northampton Police Department, Vice- Chair for Ordinance Review, Chair of Community Resources, Vice Chair of Legislative Matters, and more. I’m a working class renter, predominantly in the service, retail and entertainment industries. I’ve worked my way up from entry level to manager of spaces like Bishop’s Lounge, Race Street Live, Jackalope, and the Iron Horse, helping to bring back one of our most iconic venues. These industries are part of the fabric of Northampton.
Robbins: My recent term on the NPS School Committee and activity with many council and committee sessions give me the foundation to explore change in effective and collaborative council options and outcomes focused on far more open constituent representation. Fundamental issues resonate on how we fund our schools, why or how Main Street Redesign, reconsidering our budget to focus on present needs, greening Northampton, housing affordability, and rethinking a change to our city charter that does not leave one person at the helm for nearly all major city decisions. In present day USA, this just seems a very bad idea.
Spencer: I have a citywide point of view. I have worked to promote the goals of the Gateway District on Pleasant Street and King Street. This included successfully petitioning the City Council to support a zoning change which they unanimously approved. I have spoken up in support of infill projects that will provide homes for more people that are walkable, rollable and sustainable because they are ADA compliant and close to downtown. I am also a volunteer on the Pardon Our Progress campaign working to support our Main Street businesses. I am already doing the work to make our city better.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Henson: I will seek your priorities and bring them to the council for our budget. We can budget differently in Northampton for our community’s essential needs to be met before the capital projects are funded. Most cities and towns budget differently than Northampton, funding operating budget (schools and city services) first, then capital projects. I want (1) our streets and sidewalks maintained to allow everyone, even those in wheelchairs, to move safely in the city. (2) Our schools to be fully funded. (3) Picture Main Street to have a trial run, and (4) builders to include 20% affordable and ADA units in their projects.
Perry: We can accomplish almost anything when we work together! I’ve spent my life bringing positivity, creative energy, collaboration, and vision to Northampton. Northampton’s greatest gift is our people and I want to work with you all! With a history of bringing diverse teams together to help build community, economy, and productivity to our valley, I hope to help Northampton navigate any challenges facing us. Finally, get out and vote, but also do your research! Don’t be swayed by sweeping statements that generalize people. Look at who has been doing the work for our community and how they treat those around them.
Robbins: I hear your need for thoughtful change in elected representation. Your doorsteps have hosted our heartfelt conversations about what you love in our city, and your worries about issues that impact you daily. Many of you feel a need for serious community-wide discussion, planning and decision-making. I’m with you in advocating for city-wide town hall, open forum input into a strategic plan that we all feel represents where we want our city to be — and how we will get there. Participatory democracy means all voices at the table. Our city. Your voice. Your vote.
Spencer: I am running to be Councilor At Large because I want to help. Residents of the city need someone to turn to when they have questions. I want to help people understand how they can engage with their community in ways that are constructive, productive and rewarding. I want to help make Northampton a place where everyone is safe and welcome. We need to continue our legacy of being a community that is a model of tolerance, diversity, kindness and respect. I want to help the city of Northampton live up to its potential. I want to help people find their community.
