I am endorsing Gwen Nabad to succeed me as Ward 1 city councilor because she is the only candidate with experience in Northampton municipal government who will bring a unique voice to the City Council and an understanding of the wide range of services required to meet the needs of vulnerable residents.

I urge you to join me in voting for Gwen in the preliminary election Sept. 16 and the general election Nov. 4.

Gwen stands for equity and a holistic approach to closing inequality gaps in housing, public education and responding to the climate crisis.

As chair of the Northampton Housing Partnership, Gwen understands the need to add housing at all income levels, while paying particular attention to providing for lower-income and working families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Gwen is a long-time renter in subsidized housing and the parent of children who received special education services in the public schools. She is active in Grow Food Northampton and a member of the Northampton Survival Center’s client advisory committee.

As a result of those experiences, Gwen is a strong advocate for tenants’ rights; sustainable, inclusive schools; climate justice; and food security.

Gwen will listen to all her constituents and consider the needs of the entire city while bringing an independent voice to the City Council

In other contests on the preliminary election ballot in Ward 1, I am endorsing incumbent Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and, for the two at-large seats on the City Council, Benjamin Spencer and incumbent Garrick Perry.

The preliminary election will reduce the number of candidates for mayor from four to two; for at-large city councilor from six to four; and for Ward 1 city councilor from three to two.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Ward 1 voters will cast their ballots at the Jackson Street School.

There will be in-person early voting in City Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 through Sept. 12

Mail-in ballots also are available before the preliminary election. Information about that is available here:

https://www.northamptonma.gov/2274/Early-Mail-In-Voting

The deadline for registering to vote before the preliminary election is 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6.