To the editor:

I am voting for Clare Higgins for mayor because she is a fair-minded leader who is committed to promoting rational economic development and to preserving and improving our schools. She has worked extremely hard to communicate with city residents about the various decision-making processes involved with policies and to make city government as transparent as possible.

I believe her efforts to work with regional and state leaders and groups are paying off for Northampton in many ways. Mayor Higgins' respectful style of interaction with all kinds of people, in and out of government, makes her leadership a valuable asset to our city.

In these financially challenging times, we need Mayor Higgins' continued energy and leadership.

Janet Kelly

Northampton