I’m a lifelong Republican from Massachusetts. I was in Belmont, a very conservative community, and active in politics for many years. I was active and supported William Weld for governor, Mitt Romney for senator, governor and president, and Scott Brown for senator. About 10 years ago, I moved to Northampton and have endured a bit of culture shock at the polarity and sometimes anger here directed at folks who dare to think differently,

Jay Fleitman, M.D., has been a pillar of our community and as I’ve gotten to know him, I’ve come to realize the strength of his character and integrity of his views. He and his wife Mary Lou Stuart’s efforts to raise up the Republican Party here in western Massachusetts have been multifaceted and creative.

It will take all of us to make this broken government work smoothly again. I would encourage anyone who cares about the strength of airing different opinions and the value of civility in our community to support them for the local Republican Town Committee in Ward 5 on March 5.

Susan Timberlake

Co-producer of Civil Politics on Valley Free Radio, Florence