By DEBORAH PASTRICH-KLEMER

It has been my privilege to serve as Northampton’s Ward 2 city councilor this term and I am honored to be on the ballot for a second term.

I have been involved in local politics since 2017 when I gathered friends and neighbors in my living room to launch INoho, Indivisible Northampton. I chaired the group and brought in politicians, candidates, and activists, organized events and moderated a debate for a ballot question concerning nurse-to-patient ratios. I also served as vice president of the Northampton Democratic City Committee and ward chair for Ward 2.

Over the past seven years, I’ve organized more than 25 marches and rallies in partnership with local activists, women’s rights groups, the ACLU, and many other political rights organizations. It has been uplifting to see our community unite around shared values and beliefs of equity, integrity and compassion.

After a 40-year career in radiology I made a decision to retire. Now that I had the time to focus and commit myself to the tasks required to invest in the job, I decided to run for Ward 2 City Council. After moving here in 2013 I’d become increasingly invested in Northampton and its politics. I believed I could make a meaningful difference in our community and focus on issues that I am passionate about, including affordable housing, promoting walking, cycling and accessibility, addressing environmental concerns, achieving carbon neutrality, and advancing social equality.

Over this past term one thing I really enjoyed is connecting with my constituents, going door to door, holding semi-monthly office hours and listening to their concerns and what matters most about our city. It’s all about keeping the conversation going and working together for a better Northampton.

Throughout my first term, I have remained committed to addressing the critical issues that matter to Ward 2 and to our city at large. One of my primary goals has been to increase affordable housing, and I’m happy to say that we now have apartments available for 20 families at 23 Laurel St. This is just the beginning of our efforts to provide safe and affordable homes for everyone.

I have also supported an equitable budget benefiting all residents. This includes my affirmative vote for the mid-year appropriation to our schools, which is crucial for our children’s education and future. Additionally, I have supported essential capital projects that have improved our buildings, roads and sidewalks many of which are related to the city’s schools

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Over my time in office I have cosponsored 11 resolutions that reflect our shared values, including supporting Northampton’s designation as a sanctuary city for trans people, addressing climate and environmental issues, and full support of the Healthy Incentives Program, HIP, completion of an accessible Mass Central Rail Trail, support of a climate change superfund and supporting our Jewish, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian community members.

I was unanimously elected chair of Community Resources where I brought in speakers such as state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, members of the Pardon our Progress, Health and Human Services and the Division of Community Care.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about the upcoming work on Picture Main Street and revitalization of our downtown, which aims to make our community more vibrant and accessible.

I will continue to advocate for a budget that works for everyone. I supported the mid-year appropriation for our schools because I believe investing in our children is essential for our future and backed key projects to improve our roads and sidewalks.

I commit to transparency, honesty, and working with city departments and the mayor to understand the complexities of municipal government and sharing that information with constituents to make sure everyone in Ward 2 has accurate information on which to base their judgments and decisions.

Especially in these uncertain times, it’s crucial that we unite in support, engage with one another with kindness and respect and take time to listen to our neighbors .

I would be grateful for your support in my reelection campaign so we can continue building a better Ward 2 together. Together, we can make our community an even better place to live and thrive.

My kickoff event is Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Email debbypastrichklemerward2.com for details.

Deborah Pastrich-Klemer serves as Northampton’s Ward 2 city councilor. For more information visit www.debbypastrichklemer.com.