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Dear Northampton -My son, Henri, began t-ball this spring. During his first practice, all he truly desired was to swing on the swings behind field 2 at Ryan Road—understandable for a four-year-old. As he swung, we discussed the importance of teamwork and supporting one's teammates, even when the desire to play isn't present. After seemingly considering my words, Henri looked at me and asked, "Hey Mama, do you even think my team notices that I am gone?"
This question prompted deep reflection on a core principle I've always embraced: the importance of showing up, even when you're not at one hundred percent. By being present, you can support others in achieving what might be out of your reach in that moment. We see it, and we know it's true—we are stronger together. This approach works; I've witnessed its effectiveness daily in my interactions with community and the world.
Shortly after Henri's question, for which I had no immediate answer, his coach approached and invited him to hit off the tee. It was as if he had never left—a touch of magic.
Then, a realization struck me—the elusive "feeling" that had made this community's operation seem amiss. It's because we've inadvertently positioned ourselves on different, opposing teams, when in reality, we are all on the same team—Pro-Northampton!—simply with differing perspectives.
But how did this divergence occur? Why does it no longer feel like we are united? I believe it's because we are asking the wrong question.
For some, the pertinent question is, "Do we have the money?" For myself and many others, it is, "What will we use our money to achieve, or how can we best utilize our resources to invest in the people of this community?"
Collectively, we possess the power to dismantle systems that no longer serve us and to rebuild them into systems that do. In these times, when fears arise about shrinking or disappearing resources, the crucial truth is that our local tax dollars are ours, and we have the power to decide how they are used.
I genuinely believe we are a trendsetting community. I am confident that we have every capability to build a future that inspires others to emulate our approach here in Northampton—an approach rooted in heart, mutual trust, intentionality and purpose.
I am here to advocate for people, not merely policy.
And I declare: we are capable, and I am here for you.
So, what is our course of action?
We must ask ourselves, our neighbors, and our friends:
How do we begin to develop alternative scenarios that do not force us to abandon our people, our neighbors—those who live, work, and continue to invest in building and maintaining lives here—without the fundamental support they need to thrive?
These individuals, the ones being left behind, certainly do not accept this premise. I have observed their honest, caring, and resilient efforts to steer us toward a better direction.
They understand that we do not have to leave anyone in this community behind to achieve a better future. As the dreamers, the visionaries, the wildly educated, and the worldly experienced, we possess the knowledge to accomplish this. And we will accomplish it.
Sincerely,
Jillian
Strengthening Foundations First
Our City needs to rise to meet this moment, where investments in our core public services are vital to keeping us safe and resilient. Sidewalks are for humans of all ages and abilities; flourishing small businesses keep resources local; schools that don’t have to fight for the bare-minimum create a web of support for families in need and our community as a whole.
As a single mom, I know how to prioritize–my time, my money, my relationships. I know that by investing in our foundations first and planning strategically for the rest - we can meet the diverse needs and wants of this community.
Transparency and Accountability Matter
Trust is not only the bedrock of our social contract, but the key to developing strong partnerships. For too many in Northampton, trust in City leaders has been waning. As Mayor, I will be committed to accountability and transparency to restore trust with taxpayers, public employees, and local businesses - because I know that we are only as strong as the relationships we build with one another both at home and beyond.
During my time as the leader of the Downtown Northampton Association, I learned how critical transparency is to preserving trust with the community one serves and how successful we can be at solving problems in real time when leaders empower those doing the work to come to the table. I want to be thoughtful about how we communicate to the community, making sure they feel their experience and expertise is welcome in the conversation.
Meaningful Investments in Public Education
The Mayor has a pivotal role in ensuring Northampton’s two school districts are meeting the needs of our young people and the future needs of our community. Budgets are moral documents that must combine logical predictions and real life consequences, while negotiating through competing priorities–balancing both social and fiscal responsibility.
This is why I want to bring my collaborative leadership style to this core challenge, helping our community figure out how, not if, we can bring together the resources and ideas needed to make Northampton schools thrive.
I am the product of public schools. I am who I am today because of teachers who invested their time, energy and love into me - providing the strong foundation I needed to overcome family challenges that would have turned me into just another statistic. This issue hits home for me.
Supporting Small Businesses to Thrive
Small businesses have shaped the identity of this community, from live music and local art to eclectic food and clothing. They are resilient and innovative, but need the City to be a true partner with them. This means that if we move forward with the Picture Main Street Project, we absolutely must do it in a way that ensures our small business community will be here when we’re done.
When I talk to business owners, many of whom took out loans to keep their businesses alive through the pandemic, I hear a lot of apprehension about their ability to survive any more bumps in the road.