To the editor:

Mayor Mike Tautznik has been a dedicated citizen, volunteer and activist for Easthampton. He has supported revitalization of business and the arts to make the city a viable place to live without exhorbitant taxes. We have a new public safety complex, administrative offices, senior Center and the mayor supports construction of a new high school.

He manages a $35 million budget and balances it every year without asking for property tax overrides. Difficult decisions have to be made, not all to the liking of unions that represent departments that don't feel they get enough out of their negotiations. But that is just what managers do - negotiate for the best interests of all.

Mayor Mike has a long history of land and water preservation. The expansion of the Northampton landfill is a difficult and complicated issue. He would never compromise the Barnes aquifer, which he has worked diligently to preserve.

Learn all you can about the candidates to make an informed decision, go to his Web site - mayormike.net - to learn the details of the aquifer and see just how much experience he has in so many areas.

Michael Tautznik is the most experienced candidate running for mayor.

Beth Tiffany

Easthampton