Town Council Candidates Weigh in on Legislative Priorities, Housing, Zoning, Schools, and Jones Library Borrowing.

As we have done in previous elections, the Indy has offered candidates for the offices of Town Council and School Committee, an opportunity to respond to a brief questionnaire in order to give voters a clear indication of where they stand on some of the pressing issues facing our town. Invitations were sent to all candidates in contested races in early October.

The unedited responses of candidates for Town Council to six questions appear below. Cathy Schoen (District 1), Heather Hala Lord (District 3), Dillon Maxfield (District 4) and Ellisha Walker (at-large) did not return a candidate questionnaire. We will add their responses to this article if/when we receive them. Responses to questionnaires for School Committee will appear in a separate article.

Read More
District Candidates for Town Council Share their Hopes for the Town at League of Women Voters Forum (Amherst Indy)

Personal Statements of Candidates for Town Council for November Election (Amherst Indy)

League of Women Voters Amherst Guide with Candidates’ Statements

1)What do you think is the most pressing challenge facing Amherst residents, and what would you do about it as a Town Councilor?

At -Large

Andy Churchill
Amherst has many pressing challenges, including insufficient revenues and housing affordability. But I believe the greatest barrier to addressing them is our division as a community. Too often I see us drawing artificial lines, questioning the motives of others, and lumping people into one camp or another.

Yet when I look at the various Town Council candidates, I see some broadly shared priorities: housing affordability, excellent schools, solid infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, public buildings), community safety, and climate action. Balancing these important priorities is made challenging by insufficient revenues, but these are things we can get our arms around if we think systemically, assume good intent, and focus on collaborative problem-solving.

I have tried to model this type of approach in my previous service in Town Meeting, the School Committee, the Master Plan committee, and the Charter Commission. In all cases, we had to do hard things and work productively with limited resources.

The Charter Commission, which I chaired, was deeply divided. While we were unable to reach a consensus proposal, I believe we built an environment in which everyone felt heard and saw ideas of theirs incorporated into the final plan, which was solidly approved by Amherst voters.

I later wrote three columns, which ran in both the Current and the Indy, with one of my Commission “opponents,” and we were surprised and delighted to find how much we agreed upon. I will do my best to foster similar surprise and delight on the Town Council :-).

Allegra Clark
Quality of life is a major concern.  We are seeing failing infrastructure, defunded schools and deprioritizing of racial justice concerns.  I would like to see budgeting that aligns with our professed values of being a diverse, inclusive community and supports our most marginalized groups. We failed to support the Black Business Association of Amherst with ARPA funds.  We continue to cut educator positions from our schools. We have frozen 2 CRESS positions, and lost an additional position due to the grant ending. ARPA money allocated for youth empowerment was put into free cash, and is not earmarked for future endeavors for youth. Senior services are not at the level they were pre-pandemic.  Housing is unaffordable for all groups. Our roads and buildings are falling apart.  All of these issues contribute to the quality of life people experience, as well as their sense of belonging in this community.

I would like more transparency about where our money is spent, as well as where it is coming from. I would propose line-item budgets for each department, as well as accounting for grants received as well as state and federal funding.  We have had significant surpluses the last five years, and this money has largely not been reinvested in operating budgets.  I think we need to reinvigorate the participatory budgeting to have more community input.  I believe transparency in budgeting could be addressed through town manager goals and evaluation.

Mandi Jo Hanneke
We must address our housing crisis. And we must address the fact that our revenue increases each year are not keeping pace with inflation or the needs and desired services of the residents (including school children).

Our housing is too expensive for many residents and potential residents to afford without being burdened. And we do not provide the variety of housing types that our residents desire. In my three terms on the Council, I have proposed a variety of legislation to address this problem. Not all of it has been successful, but if re-elected, I plan to continue proposing new legislation focused on the zoning strategies in the new Housing Production Plan and that learns from my legislative efforts. 

To address our budget struggles, we must begin conversations earlier, be open about the options, be willing to change past practices, and be willing to make legislative changes that would increase the possibility of developers building commercial property in Amherst. We cannot shy away from these conversations, which will be hard, because they necessarily deal with trade-offs regarding services (ending some, increasing others) and development (compromising on building to create a stronger economy and less burden on residents). There simply isn’t enough money to do it all, while maintaining strong budgeting and fiscal protections. The entire town must be part of the conversation, and we must all approach the conversation believing that everyone has the best interests of the Town and residents in mind.

District 1

Jill Brevik
I think it is difficult to identify one issue as the most pressing at a time when so many of our local institutions, public departments, and funding sources are in crisis or being actively dismantled. We need to expand affordable housing, strengthen our schools, repair harm caused by racial injustice and address systemic inequities, improve our roads and infrastructure, and investigate, reallocate, and responsibly expand our revenue base.

It’s easy to see how all of these issues are interconnected and how pitting one issue against another, instead of addressing our challenges holistically, can keep us from making progress.

At the same time, this extremely challenging period will require our town government to prioritize, with urgency, the issues that affect our most vulnerable residents. So, I believe the best way to move forward is to work toward a collective understanding of how these issues impact one another and use that understanding to set and build consensus around distinct goals and priorities.

My platform is centered on ensuring that increased or freed-up revenue is allocated to funding our public schools until they are functioning at the level required to adequately educate our community’s children, keep them safe from harm, and set them up for success. It’s clear to me that strong public schools are the heart of a thriving community and that when we underfund our schools, we deepen inequities and weaken the foundation of our whole community.

Similar to my answer about roads below, there are many options to explore with open-mindedness and practicality as we work toward a solution, including reprioritizing existing surplus funds and capital reserves, investigating the actual impact of recent development projects on revenue and using data to support sensible residential and business development, and securing stronger negotiated contributions and fees from our colleges for town services.

Freke Ette
Our biggest challenge is to sustain a vibrant, inclusive community while addressing housing, infrastructure, and school funding pressures. To attract and retain families, maintain quality schools, and invest in roads and public facilities, Amherst depends on a stable revenue base and a realistic plan for growth. As councilor, I would remain focused on long-term fiscal planning, as I believe it is essential that housing or capital spending are made in a coordinated, transparent way.

Vince O’Connor
That challenge is that families whose breadwinners work in Amherst, primarily at the University, are being priced out of town. This creates problems for our schools – declining enrollment; morning commute problems – employees driving to work who could otherwise take a bus; and environmental/global warming impacts – due to avoidable car use.

If elected to the Town Council, I will work with other councilors to: 1) end the off-campus construction of student dorms thinly disguised as multi-use buildings; 2) help build Council support for legislation limiting rent increases to the documented annual MA cost-of-living increase; 3) petition the legislature for permission to enact rent control on college-student-occupied single-family homes and rent control rollbacks at some older apartment complexes; 4) enact family friendly ordinances, such as one prohibiting landlords and rental housing agencies from requiring prospective tenants to earn in one week enough money to pay their entire month’s rent/or supply a guarantor – a requirement that caters to students; and 5) support and enact each of the two citizen zoning petitions that address family housing affordability issues.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
I think residents face different challenges depending on their individual socioeconomic factors, but the overarching challenge is that there is a disconnect between the wants and needs of residents and the priorities of the Town Council. I have spent a lot of time canvassing my district, and the most common issue that comes up is the lack of funding/attention to roads and schools in the town. People are upset about having to pay high rents or property taxes, and not having the town fulfill some of their basic expectations of local government. There are also actions identified by committees and groups such as the Community Safety Workgroup (CSWG) and the Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) who have done careful research and study on what we can do locally on climate change and racial justice, yet the council takes very slow or no action at all on many of the proposed initiatives.

The town council would also be more responsive to the needs of residents if we had a local government that was more participatory, inclusive, and transparent. One step I would take is using all methods of outreach to residents, from in person, text message, virtual meetings, social media, and others, as well as providing translation and interpretation into Spanish at a minimum. I also would support adopting the League of Women Voters’ recommendations on amending the town charter, which would go a long way towards increasing participatory democracy in the town.

Jason Dorney
The biggest issue that Amherst faces right now is a lack of growth and revenue.  We are at an inflection point where we need to make changes now, so that we are better prepared in the future for whatever budget constraints may come. We have budget conflicts every year, where we fight over smaller slices of an ever-shrinking pie. We cannot continue to expect a 2.5% yearly tax increase coupled with an estimated 1% growth to cover all of our expenses, especially when state and federal funding has become unreliable. 

When it comes to those conflicts, our schools often face the brunt of those cuts. When schools are not adequately funded, we lose students to charter schools and neighboring towns. This takes an additional slice of our state funding at a ridiculously high cost per student. Amherst schools were once a shining beacon of education in a state where education is highly prioritized. I know families that have moved to Amherst due to this reputation but discovered, once enrolled, the enormous challenges facing the district. This has far-reaching effects that will pose an additional hurdle to growth for our town.

As a Town Councilor, I would advocate for commonsense zoning reform to allow for diverse housing options, including mixed-use housing and commercial/retail. By increasing the amount and variety of housing, we will provide new growth in the form of permit fees and property taxes. In turn, these will also make Amherst a more accessible place to live for everyone and contribute to growth and revenue in a meaningful way that will allow us to address our many shortfalls.

Lynn Griesemer
The most pressing challenge facing Amherst residents are the increasing demands on our tax revenues. We have high expectations, but we are hemmed in on every side: revenue limits on the one hand and rising costs — such as the unprecedented increases we’re seeing in healthcare costs — on the other. And despite this squeeze we need to focus on some larger issues:

Capital and Infrastructure Projects – Build a new DPW and Fire/EMS station, a renovated Senior Center, and repair/replace roads and sidewalks. The cost for all of these has escalated because we have deferred them. We can’t pass this burden on to the next generation. Meeting our responsibility could be significantly assisted by the creation of a State level Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority and the passage and revision of PILOT legislation that compensates the Town of Amherst as host of both public and private higher education institutions.  I have testified before the Massachusetts Legislature on both of these issues in the past year. 

K-12 Education – While state and federal funds have either disappeared or not kept pace, the burden of funding our schools have fallen increasingly to local taxpayers across the Commonwealth.  This is why I have actively engaged with the three other towns in the Regional School District to work with the school committee toward a common, fiscally sustainable solution.  We need to start with a common understanding of the challenge and find a path forward to provide the excellent education our students deserve now and into the future.

Community Health and Safety/Racial and Social Justice – I continue my work to establish a police oversight board, rejuvenate CRESS, and support the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

District 3

Patrick Drumm
Amherst’s most pressing challenge is maintaining affordability across all income levels. Rising housing costs and increasing property taxes are putting pressure on residents and local businesses alike. As a Town Councilor, I would prioritize securing additional state funding and advocating for fair local taxation policies that balance fiscal responsibility with community sustainability. My goal is to ensure Amherst remains accessible to both new families and long-time residents while preserving the quality of life that defines our town.

Our biggest challenge is to sustain a vibrant, inclusive community while addressing housing, infrastructure, and school funding pressures. To attract and retain families, maintain quality schools, and invest in roads and public facilities, Amherst depends on a stable revenue base and a realistic plan for growth. As councilor, I would remain focused on long-term fiscal planning, as I believe it is essential that housing or capital spending are made in a coordinated, transparent way.

Geroge Ryan
We need to find a way to fund our schools that fully meets their needs but also reflects the fiscal realities of the Town.  One strategy I would support is the creation of a revolving fund that could be paid for in part from Free Cash and would be available solely to meet unexpected SPED expenses in any given fiscal year.  We need to continue to lobby the State to revise the current Charter School reimbursement formula and in general to increase support for rural schools.  I would be open to looking at the current policy of granting equal yearly increases to each functional area (Town, Library, Elementary School, and Regional Schools) to see if that can be adjusted in the Schools’ favor but I would only support such an action in light of a comprehensive long range fiscal plan for the Schools that recognizes the fiscal realities the Town faces.

District 4

Pam Rooney
Besides a crushing budget facing us soon, getting year-round residents, working households, into existing homes that come on the market is a high priority. Whether these folks rent or buy, if we are going to continue as a cohesive community, we can’t afford to have more dwellings turn into part-time residences. We lose the integrity of the neighborhoods. I would support UMass working in whatever manner it can to produce much more on-campus housing – for students in particular to help meet demand – and for mixed income faculty and staff.

Jennifer Taub
Declining Year-Round Population – Amherst is at an inflection point. With our long-term residents accounting for only one third of the town’s population, the Council must implement policies to reverse the trend of declining non-student households. Adopting bylaws to incentivize new construction designed and priced for families, retirees, and the local workforce may include: (1) Minimum Distance Requirements between students houses (2) concentrating increased density to arterial roads and overlay districts, such as University Drive, and (3) supporting rent stabilization. Left to market forces alone, “up-zoning” and relaxing permitting requirements will bring us more housing priced to serve the off-campus student housing market. Experience has shown that housing built for the greatest return on investment is not housing designed and priced for non-student households.

School funding – For decades, families have moved to Amherst for our excellent K-12 schools. The School Committee and Council must do all we can to maintain level services, a difficult challenge as costs spiral and state aid declines.

In addition to advocating for increased state aid, we should negotiate with UMass and Amherst College to provide more robust financial support for the town’s K-12 schools. (Examples include Brown University, which established a $10 million endowment for Providence public schools –  in addition to being part of a consortium with three other local colleges that together committed PILOT payments totaling $223 million over twenty years for education, city services, and community programs. Williams College established a $5 million endowment for capital projects for the Mr. Greylock school district.)

Roads, Sidewalks, and New DPW Facility – Solutions include: (1) issuing a municipal bond to fund road and sidewalk repair; and (2) forming a consortium with surrounding towns to secure more competitive pricing. Breaking ground on the new DPW headquarters must be a goal that the next Council commits to accomplishing.

2) Do you think there is a housing crisis in Amherst? What should the Council do in the coming year on housing policy?

At -large

Andy Churchill
I believe we have both a housing crisis and a revenue crisis in Amherst. The solutions to both are intertwined.

I’m worried about Amherst’s fiscal sustainability. If we don’t generate some new sources of revenue, conversations about funding schools and roads and municipal services will be extremely difficult. We have a choice: we can either watch various groups fight over limited resources, or we can expand the pie of town revenues. I want to expand the pie, so that both our public services and our sense of community can be supported and strengthened.

I believe we can raise more tax revenue by developing more housing in appropriate locations (such as student housing on Olympia Drive, away from residential neighborhoods, or the affordable, owner-occupied housing project on Ball Lane in North Amherst). Building more housing can also reduce pressure on housing prices, which have become prohibitively expensive for many low- and middle-income residents.

I wrote a column about the role housing is already playing and can continue to play in expanding the pie of our town revenues: https://theamherstcurrent.org/2025/06/05/can-housing-help-us-find-a-way-out-of-our-fiscal-mess/. As I mentioned there, we need to 1) make revenue generation through housing development a priority, 2) set goals for the amount of revenue we need to adequately support our services, 3) identify projects that will generate the desired amount of revenue, and 4) ensure that zoning accommodates those types of projects in appropriate areas.

Allegra Clark
I believe housing affordability is a primary issue of concern in our community and region.  Rents have risen by over 30% regionally since 2021.  Property taxes also continue to rise.  44% of households are cost burdened (paying over 30% of income to rent or mortgage). Families are displaced from town by conversion of single-family homes to student rentals.  Students are also struggling to find affordable places to live, on and off campus. Seniors are also having difficulty aging in place.

I would like to see the council change inclusionary zoning to lower the Affordable Median Income for income restricted units to also prioritize units at 30% AMI.  I would like to increase the percentage of units to 15% total units being affordable. I would like to increase the PILOT to a floor of 5x AMI and ceiling 10x. 

I would support a 40R overlay district with a requirement of 25% units designated affordable at low to moderate income households. I would support strengthening the Community Land Trust through CPA/CDBG funds.I believe we should actively pursue all benefits that come with our Housing Choice Designation. I would support a loan program to create ADUs if there is a specification about “Local ADUs” where one is owner-occupied- could help a senior move into ADU and a family rent the main property OR with a provision for renting to low-income tenants.

I would support more projects similar to Valley CDCs Amherst Community Homes addressing home ownership for households historically excluded from ownership due to racist policies. I’d like to see any new development have community benefit agreements to address workforce housing, local labor, and community impact fees.

I believe climate justice should accompany housing (weatherization and rehabilitation of older housing, transportation access if density increases).

Mandi Jo Hanneke
Yes, there is a housing affordability crisis in Amherst and addressing it is one of my top priorities. To address the affordability crisis, we need to keep three goals of the Comprehensive Housing Policy at the forefront of discussions: promoting a variety of pathways to homeownership, increasing the supply and variety of housing types; and finding resources to support affordable housing. 

Further, the 2025 Housing Production Plan provides a pathway to developing proposals to address our housing affordability crisis. As a Councilor, I would focus on zoning because it is direct action the Council can take. This includes enabling the creation of missing middle housing; redefining apartment uses; facilitating infill development; and amending Inclusionary Zoning to encourage more low- and middle-income units.

I have been one of the few Councilors that has actually proposed legislation to address the crisis. As a Councilor, I co-sponsored legislation allowing Amherst to impose a fee on property transfers to provide funds for affordable housing in Amherst,  bylaw changes designed to provide more pathways to homeownership and increase the diversity of housing types that led directly to the creation of the University Drive overlay district, and resolutions supporting state legislation to provide funds for creating, supporting, and developing deed-restricted affordable housing, to levy a fee on transfers of property to support affordable housing, and to seal eviction records so residents can better maintain housing security. If re-elected, I will continue pursuing legislative solutions to our housing affordability crises.

District 1

Jill Brevik
Yes, there is a national housing crisis that is affecting Amherst and compounding existing challenges that we face. Councilors (especially those who speak about increased development as the primary solution to our town’s challenges) should be active in grassroots efforts to effect larger, systemic changes like rent control, federal restrictions on predatory landlords and developers, and implementing the billionaire’s tax to help reduce the devastating wealth gap in our country.

Here in Amherst, we’re seeing long-term, working-class residents being priced out of apartments, as well as single- and multi-family homes being bought up by outside investors. We’re seeing people who work in town, in our schools and at our local businesses, unable to afford renting here, let alone purchasing a home.

I think the scale of this issue will require a council that is ready to think strategically, instead of just doing what has always been done. It will require solutions that increase affordability and housing stock simultaneously.

In the coming term, the council should increase research into the feasibility of new community-led models and accelerate genuinely affordable projects like Amherst Community Homes. The council should support inclusionary zoning and strong design standards, so new projects deliver affordable units and fit neighborhood scale. 

If elected, I would also bring knowledge of housing programs and policies that are aimed at mitigating the “cliff effect” (or the loss of public benefits that occurs when someone’s income increases slightly but enough to push them over the eligibility threshold for assistance programs) with the goal of making Amherst’s affordable housing stock intrinsically connected to evidence-based methods that help residents living in affordable units build equity. 

Freke Ette
Yes, Amherst does face a housing challenge, with working families, seniors, and younger residents all feeling the crunch. A responsible approach from the Council is to link housing policy with realistic fiscal and environmental planning, preserving the unique character and history of Amherst. I don’t believe in indiscriminate development. We should prioritize zoning reforms that encourage development near transit and existing infrastructure, continue our partnerships with the university and nonprofit developers, promote opportunities for more diverse housing types, while ensuring that infrastructure and services can handle new growth.

Vince O’Connor
There is a family housing crisis in Amherst. We need to: 1) work with our legislators to pressure the University to make significant changes in its admissions and on-campus housing policies; and, 2) create a Council Planning, Zoning and Family Housing Committee composed of three councilors and two public members to help facilitate the consideration and enactment of the policies I’ve articulated in answer to Question #1.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
Yes, I do think there’s a housing crisis in Amherst. The recent draft (6/2/25) of the Town of Amherst Housing Production Plan indicates that over 4,000 households in Amherst are considered cost-burdened and 2,600 of those are considered severely cost burdened (spending over half of their income on housing).

Drawing on the Housing Production Plan as well as my own knowledge, here are some items I think the Council should take action on this year:

• Support the establishment of a Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay District – this allows higher housing density if a developer meets the requirements of 20 or 25 percent affordable units. With this district, Amherst would be eligible to receive incentive payments from the state to support development.

• Create preapproved designs for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), but the council should add incentives for the property to be owner occupied.

• Amend the inclusionary zoning bylaw to raise the minimum provision from 12% to at least 15% units affordable to households making 60% of the area median income (AMI) or less. Also, the council could switch to a credit unit system for developers who create more affordable units than required by law. 

• Seek additional funding sources. Participate in the MA HOME program (can partner with developers) and take advantage of new funding from the state in programs such as the Municipal Conversion Project and Momentum Fund. Apply revenue from the short term rental community impact fee (3%) to Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (AMAHT). Continue applying CPA and CDBG funds to the AMAHT.

• Partner with non-profit developers to construct more affordable housing on town owned land.

• Promote student housing on the UMass campus and on the University Drive Overlay District.

• Help to gather signatures and pass the state ballot initiative on rent stabilization.

Jason Dorney
Yes, there is a housing crisis in Amherst, as well as Massachusetts at large. Housing has become increasingly unaffordable for all but the most affluent. Housing costs continue to rise with many people dedicating more of their monthly income to housing, leaving little left over each month for all of their other expenses. Our property taxes are amongst the highest in the state and the bulk of our town revenue. As home prices and assessments increase, our property taxes continue to rise. This is unsustainable and a huge barrier for folks wanting to buy a home in Amherst.

The Council needs to 1) reform our zoning policy and the permitting process; 2) revisit the 2010 Master Plan and follow its recommendations or provide a new vision for the town; 3) adopt the Housing Product Plan and implement it; and 4) incentivize a diverse mix of housing options, not just apartments and not just residential homes on large lots.

Lynn Griesemer
Recent reports including the 2024 DRAFT Housing Production Plan (https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/79787/Amherst_HPP_Full_Draft_06_12_2025) and Building Homes, Building Futures – Housing in Western Massachusetts (https://donahue.umass.edu/our-publications/building-homes-building-futures-housing-in-western-massachusetts) both find that we have a housing shortage in Amherst and in the Region. We have supported some excellent projects that are bearing fruit, and will continue to look for opportunities, recognizing that local government is only one player in a much broader context. Where decisions related to local zoning or seed money can be effective, we should pursue them. However, solving this shortage is not something Amherst can nor should tackle alone.  Our surrounding communities each need to meet the minimum level of 10% affordable housing and develop strategies to increase workforce and middle-income housing. 

District 3

Patrick Drumm
Yes, Amherst is facing a housing crisis, but it’s one we can manage with the right balance and leadership. We need to increase the town’s overall housing supply in thoughtful, sustainable ways that welcome families and working residents, not just investors. At the same time, UMass must do more to house its growing student population on campus. I’ll push for stronger collaboration with the university to rebalance the local market so that Amherst remains a community, not just a rental economy.

George Ryan
There is no question that there is a housing crisis in Amherst.  It is impossible for young families to find starter homes; some seniors aging in place need help in maintaining their homes; our teachers, firefighters, and clerical staff work here but cannot afford to live here.  We have an Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw that generates “affordable units” but given the high cost of rent in Amherst most who are able to take advantage of the Bylaw pay well more than 30% of their gross income for housing, the standard definition of someone who is “cost burdened” and hence NOT living in affordable housing.  We need more housing units at all income levels but we also need to think outside the box.  What can we do to upgrade and protect our existing housing stock?  How can we help first time homebuyers with upfront costs when trying to get into the Amherst housing market? Can subsidies be made available (through the Housing Trust) to ensure that those who living in “affordable housing” are not paying over 30% of their gross income for housing?  How can we assist those who seek affordable housing in our community in navigating a process that is often opaque and burdensome?  We currently have a Housing Production Plan that spells out in detail the housing crisis and offers a host of recommendations on how to address it.   It has been approved by the Planning Board and currently sits in a Council committee (CRC).  Any recommendations contained in that plan must go through all the usual Board and Committee reviews as well as extensive public comment.  The fact that something is in the plan does not in any way mean the Council or the Planning Board support it or would work to enact it.  So why the delay?

District 4

Pam Rooney
There is an affordability crisis in Amherst as many households are spending over 30% of their income for rent. Rent increases are due – my opinion – to investor dominance in the arena of buying moderately priced homes. With the ability to charge top dollar rents per bed, students who can share those rents are by far the most lucrative target – families cannot compete at those prices. The guaranteed income stream on these “income-producing” properties allows investors to bid top dollar for those modest homes, outbid out families, and concurrently drive the price of all housing up.  

Jennifer Taub
Amherst faces the challenge of increasingly unaffordable housing and extremely high property taxes – neither of which has been alleviated by the continued construction of housing built and priced for students who share expenses. (Even splitting expenses, many students remain cost burdened in Amherst.)

Over the past 10+ years, as Amherst added hundreds of units to its off-campus inventory, the cost of housing (for both renters and homeowners) has continued to increase — and nobody’s seen their property taxes decline. As per the draft Housing Production Plan, even with the addition of 8+ apartment complexes, there remain several thousand UMass students living off-campus in surrounding towns, many of whom would prefer to live in Amherst if more off-campus units are built.

All to say, it will be some time before the student demand for off-campus housing is satisfied and developers/investors begin building for the non-student market.

Some argue that the solution to our budget challenges is to grow our tax base via more apartment complexes. The eight buildings that include Kendrick Place, 1 East Pleasant, 11 East Pleasant, Olympia Place, 70 University Drive, Aspen Heights and Southeast Commons, together account for ~$1.9 million in annual property taxes. While that revenue is certainly appreciated, it accounts for less than 2% of the town’s $103.3 million operating budget.

The state’s new “by-right” Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legislation will increase density throughout town without Amherst having to amend our zoning bylaws. While a wonderful way to produce much-needed new housing, in a university town it’s fair to assume that most ADUs will be built to serve the student housing market. Therefore, any additional changes to our local zoning bylaws must be crafted to incentivize new construction designed and priced, not just for students, but for families, seniors, and the local workforce as well.

3. Do you support the two resident-generated bylaw proposals recently referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board? Why or why not?

At-large

Andy Churchill
I don’t support Article 18. I support adopting the Housing Production Plan, and I look forward to seeing the draft design standards, which I believe can make tax-generating development both easier and more attractive. I oppose conditioning a moratorium on getting UMass to agree within one year to build 5,000 units of on-campus housing, both because 1) that seems like an unreasonable approach and timeline and 2) building housing on campus doesn’t generate any of the much-needed tax revenues we could get from building off-campus housing. Finally, I am not aware of any proposed developments downtown at this point that would require such a drastic and signal-sending step.

I can understand the goals of Article 19, as someone who has lived with a student house across the street and two neighboring houses potentially being sold if their elderly residents moved on. However, I understand that Massachusetts state law is different from Pennsylvania state law, where an ordinance like this was the model for Article 19. I’m therefore not convinced this article is legal. I look forward to working on housing issues on the Council going forward.

Allegra Clark
There are aspects of both zoning proposals i agree with and aspects i think need further refinement.

Regarding downtown, I would like to see the adoption of design standards prior to new construction approval there.  My understanding is that there are not currently any projects proposed for downtown, so a moratorium might not impact potential development.  I do think commercial space on the ground floor of any potential development will be important to grow our tax base.

I agree with the sentiment that UMass should do more to house its students, and would like more information about the results of the January 2025 RFR.  I would also support locating more student housing on Olympia Drive, as it is close to campus and accessible on public transportation.

Regarding neighborhoods, I think the State College, PA model of defining student housing could be helpful.  I share concerns about the current definition and its potential to categorize families with unmarried parents or same-sex couples as “student households.” 

I agree that disincentivizing LLC real estate investors could help families and first-time homebuyers enter the housing market. It could also address the concerns of safety and health violations often seen with absentee landlords.  I would also like to see transparency about LLC ownership/investors.  

I am a strong supporter of the idea of rent stabilization and have been collecting signatures for the current ballot initiative, as well as introducing sponsorship to the Affordable Housing Trust (sponsored 10/9/25). Hearing from residents that have seen a 39% increase in rent, I believe more needs to be done to keep current housing prices within reach.

I hope the bylaw review will address affordability, density, and balance between increasing housing stock while maintaining open space and protecting the environment.

Mandi Jo Hanneke
I do not support either proposal. Moratoria have been shown to increase housing costs. If Amherst residents are serious about addressing the housing affordability crisis in Amherst, we cannot put a moratorium on building residences.

The student housing proposal, as written, is flawed, likely illegal, and would result in higher housing costs in the long run. Some of the reasons I do not support this particular proposal include: 

(1)       The proposed student home definition likely violates fair housing laws, as it differentiates between student residences based on their family status, not just student status. 

(2)       It likely violates the uniformity requirement of MGL Ch. 40A section 4. “The uniformity requirement is based upon principles of equal treatment: all land in similar circumstances should be treated alike, so that ‘if anyone can go ahead with a certain development [in a district], then so can everybody else.’” SCIT, Inc. v. Plan. Bd. Of Braintree, 19 Mass. App. Ct. 101, 107 (1984). The minimum distance requirements likely violate this principle. 

(3)       It seeks to establish rent stabilization, which is not only illegal in Massachusetts, but also results in high housing costs over the long run, as numerous studies have shown.

I do support having a conversation about how Amherst can modify its zoning bylaw to encourage housing development that is more likely to be occupied by non-student households than student households. All sides need to begin with open minds, have a thorough discussion, and be willing to compromise. We cannot effectively collaborate and address the housing affordability crisis if people believe themselves in a battle to be won. It is important to keep in mind that we all have the same goal in mind – ensuring that all residents can live respectfully, peacefully, and cooperatively in their neighborhoods. Let’s have that conversation.

District 1

Jill Brevik
I support the sentiment of the two bylaw proposals, and at the last council meeting, I supported referring them to the Planning Board for careful study, in line with what is required of our council. This process is in place to ensure that zoning changes are vetted appropriately.

As I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many District 1 residents over the course of my campaign, I’m sympathetic to the goals motivating the bylaw proposals because they reflect real resident concerns about scale, impacts on infrastructure, land conservation, and congestion, as well as concerns about working families being pushed out of town.

Through my campaign, I have also worked hard to engage with high school and college students, and have heard their concerns about housing prices, predatory landlords, and the impacts of overdevelopment on climate change.

I believe that there are also legitimate questions about whether recent development projects have actually resulted in easing the housing crisis and increasing our tax base.

Additionally, I would be cautious about any requirements that could unintentionally worsen affordability, negatively impact students, or simply push (or concentrate) development elsewhere in town. I think we need to study the proposals and other information sources thoroughly, seek amendments that protect affordability and equity, and pair any restrictions with concrete measures—including renter protections and stronger commitments from local colleges—so we don’t solve one problem by creating another.

Freke Ette
Democracy thrives on active citizen participation in public affairs, so I applaud the residents’ advocacy and share their desire for thoughtful development. I am confident the Council and Planning Board will carefully assess the fiscal and housing impacts of the proposals. Nevertheless, I believe zoning changes should emerge from a comprehensive, community and data-driven process, not as isolated reactions to individual projects. Amherst needs clear long-term goals—more housing diversity, walkable village centers, fiscal sustainability—not piecemeal measures that may have unintended consequences.

Vince O’Connor
I support both proposals, because each effectively addresses aspects of Amherst’s family housing crisis the Council must meet head-on. I also urge the Indy to print the text and justification for each proposal along with our answers so that each Council candidate’s answers can be evaluated in context.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
I support Articles 18 and 19 amending the zoning bylaws, and made a written comment in support of them to the Town Council. I’m pleased that that they have been referred to the Planning Board, where they can be vetted and refined with particular attention to not unintentionally discriminating against LGBTQIA+ populations and families in the definition of student housing. I would also urge that the sponsors remove the term “grandfathering” from these amendments – see more about the racist history of this term here.

An excerpt of my comment is as follows:
“My own street is about 50% student homes right now, and when any of the houses goes on the market, it is snapped up by another landlord who probably pays cash. I see families coming to see these houses hoping to buy them, but they always seem to remain student housing. The median price of a home in Amherst is currently about $600,000 according to the HPP, which is simply unattainable for most young families. Meanwhile, the student homes I see are often listed for $300-400k, and while not cheap, that is much more within reach for families.
I believe that we do need to disincentivize LLCs from purchasing our low cost housing stock and renting it to students. With more students ideally housed on campus [or the new University Drive overlay district], that will also take some of the pressure off of our residential neighborhoods…I had the opportunity to speak with some UMass and Amherst College students at a listening session last weekend, and they expressed that they would prefer to live on campus, but the housing on campus is too expensive. In negotiating with UMass to house more students on campus, we should also work with them to identify the barriers to creating affordable student housing.”

Jason Dorney
I agree with many of the comments and sentiments from the town council meeting on 10/6/2025. While the bylaw proposals need to be further developed before being considered for adoption, I believe that they openly discriminate against students. 

Furthermore, I disagree with the idea of the government using its power to place a moratorium on any types of housing applications while the town is in the midst of a housing crisis. Students are not the problem, nor are people building housing for students. The larger problem is the lack of housing options anywhere else in town. There are scant options for “year round residents” to buy or rent. 

The “non-student” population is shrinking for many reasons. The unaffordability of housing coupled with a high property tax rate is the main driver for families and “non-students” leaving Amherst. These resident proposals would not just prevent building permitting, but would slow the application review process as well. This process often already takes longer than the timeline for construction itself. We cannot afford to put delays in front of builders, especially while we are in the midst of a housing and budget crisis.

Lynn Griesemer
I voted for both of these to be referred so that a public body that focuses on zoning in Amherst can help lead an open discussion with resident input.  Each of the draft amendments presents trade-offs that need to be respected. The Planning Board needs to consider those and also assess the legality and feasibility of different options, and bring the results back to the Town Council for action. 

District 3

Patrick Drumm
I do not support these proposals. While I understand the frustration many residents feel about housing pressures, closing the door to development or targeting specific populations isn’t the right path forward. The root issue lies in UMass’s limited on-campus housing, and we should be working with the university, not against its students. Collaboration, not division, is how we make Amherst more livable for everyone.

George Ryan
I do not support the moratorium.  It is counter-productive and regressive.  In a time when we need more housing not less, it sends exactly the wrong message.  On the other hand I am open to exploring ways to disincentivize the transfer of single and two-family homes into student rentals.  I have reservations about some of the specific suggestions mentioned in the proposed bylaw (e.g. rent control is not legal in Massachusetts and I am deeply uncomfortable with creating a class of housing based on who lives there) but I do think it is time for the Planning Board to look more closely at the issue and working with the Planning Department explore what might be done. 

District 4

Pam Rooney
Yes, I support article 19 defining a student house. It is simply a definition that gives us baseline data on distribution of (mostly part-time occupants) student homes and helps us to develop smarter policies as we try to manage the maintenance of a core year-round community.  Having regularly permitted student homes, we can consider other methods (listed in the proposed article 19) to disincentivize investor interest in buying up Amherst Housing.

* Article 18, with its focus on Downtown is looking in the right direction – that is, yes let’s get the Design guidelines in place before we adjust zoning in the downtown or create more overlays in the downtown like the Parking Garage overlay the First Council adopted. Whether there is an actual moratorium or not, I would like to think we can count on the Planning Board to seek better public benefits (welcoming public spaces, shade, sitting opportunities that make people want to hang out in downtown) rather than yield completely to the full list of developer asks (often special permits). I have been pushing for 4-5 years for Design Guidelines first, zoning to follow.  If a developer comes along with a plan for attractive, adaptive reuse of some of the historic buildings with structures built to fill in behind them, we gain a lot: a street that still looks like a new England college town, plus some efficient housing and retail space behind.  

Jennifer Taub
I support proposed Article 19 to the Zoning Bylaw, the goals of which goals are: (1) “Adoption of downtown design standards, including sidewalk widths, green space, setbacks, and building height”, and (2) “A Housing Production Plan prioritizing opportunities for year-round, mixed-income residents.”

To me, Article 18’s call for a pause on accepting applications for new residential buildings downtown that are larger than 4 units is less a “non-negotiable” mandate, and more a call to action to expeditiously complete work on the downtown design guidelines, which have been in process for well over a year. I’m more comfortable allowing for a “grace period” (perhaps up to six months) for the Council to adopt design standards before pausing acceptance of building permits for some specified period of time. I hope that the resident-sponsored Article 18 underscores the urgency of adopting design guidelines for our General Business (BG) and Limited Business (BL) districts.

4. The Town Council has floated a tax override to pay for road repairs and possibly to prevent further cuts in schools. Do you support an override, and/or would you suggest other ways to meet those needs without raising taxes?

At-large

Andy Churchill
As someone who has worked to pass overrides in the past, I think passing an override in the current context would be difficult. Taxes are just increasing now to pay for our much-needed new elementary school.

One of the reasons we have been able to avoid having overrides for more than a decade is the new growth in denser housing (including student housing on Olympia Drive, new housing on South East Street, and the big buildings downtown) that is currently paying more than $2 million in property taxes each year. That’s about what we would typically look for in a Prop. 2-1/2 override.

So we have demonstrated that building new housing can increase town revenues and reduce the need for overrides. I believe we should work with our returning Finance Director, who has experience with both school and municipal budgets, to set a revenue target: how much additional revenue is needed to meet our school and municipal needs? Then, based on the Housing Production Plan, the Master Plan and other guides, we should identify and promote appropriate sites for development of housing that will generate that amount of recurring property tax revenue.

Allegra Clark
I believe an override should be the last resort, as we have just approved one to address the new elementary school, water and sewer rates continue to increase, and inflation is high.  Our taxes are already high, and unfortunately we are not seeing exceptional services and infrastructure.  I would rather dip into reserves.

For road repairs, I think the town should consider how to capture excise tax of the student population who are here 9 months out of the year but likely pay their excise tax elsewhere.  This could come through conversation with UMass, Amherst and Hampshire College around their car permitting process.  (When i lived in Boston, you had to show proof your car was registered and insured in the neighborhood where you were applying for a sticker).  Additionally, the idea of a regional consortium to put in requests for paving could help drive down cost.  Finally, the idea of shifting responsibility to the state for 116 and 9 is enticing. 

For schools, we need more state advocacy surrounding Chapter 70 funding and Charter reimbursement so Amherst receives more state funding.  We should continue to pursue increased contributions from UMass and Amherst College. We should budget not for a surplus but for a well-funded budget that supports our operating needs.

Mandi Jo Hanneke
We must find a fiscally responsible means of addressing the road and sidewalk repair backlog and the fiscal realities of costs increasing faster than revenues. 

To address the backlog or road and sidewalk repairs, the Council must be realistic. It will be expensive and we must be willing to consider a wide range of strategies to increase our annual investment. Potential strategies include a yearly capital override, decreased investment in vehicles (by replacing them on a longer cycler than is currently used), consideration of borrowing for road repairs. To address our budget struggles, we must be willing to consider all options, including Proposition 2.5 overrides and service cuts. There are probably many other options that can and should be considered to address these two issues, and the Council must have open and frank conversations regarding them. Further, we all must approach the conversation believing that everyone has the best interests of the Town and residents in mind. We cannot effectively address these tough issues if we aren’t willing to collaborate and compromise.

Regarding any override (for road repairs, general operating expenses, etc.), I would support putting the question to the voters. It is up to the voters as whole to decide whether they would support raising their taxes in order to make quicker progress on road repairs or to support maintaining or increasing operational service levels.

District 1

Jill Brevik
Voters have the final say on an override, but I don’t support asking for new taxes as the first move. Before supporting an override, I would help develop a transparent explanation of the funding gap that is agreed upon by all councilors, an ongoing evaluation framework for municipal programs, a multi-year plan showing what the override would fund, and real attempts to find alternatives or reduce unnecessary spending.

Prioritization is key here, as it is in other areas. I think residents want to understand why certain roads or areas are prioritized again and again, while others are barely drivable. Some residents I’ve canvassed have reported being told that streets in their neighborhood will never be a priority for the town. I know that beautifying our downtown and public spaces is important, but it’s common sense to address dangerous or damaging road conditions first.

Alternatives to consider include reprioritizing existing surplus funds and capital reserves, targeting non-recurring funds for one-time road repairs, and securing stronger negotiated contributions and fees from our colleges for town services.

If those types of options are exhausted and funding shortfalls affect core services in a way that harms residents, I would consider putting a narrowly tailored override to voters with clear accountability and sunset provisions.

Freke Ette
Residents are rightfully concerned about deteriorating roads and the pressure on our schoherols. That said, while an override might be necessary, it should be Amherst’s last resort. Before this scenario, we can identify efficiencies, consider long-term financial plans that transparently outline costs and benefits, and educate voters so they can have informed discussions and advocate for reasonable decisions. It goes without saying that we need to broaden our tax base through smart development that adds revenue.

Vince O’Connor
I oppose some town councilors’ proposal for an override at this time, especially since the new elementary school debt exclusion is about to take effect, and local property taxes are already very high.

What I will support is, with the assistance of our legislators, is: 1) increases in Chapter 90 road and sidewalk repair monies for Western Mass communities, prently being worked for by our legislators, plus the establishment of a Chapter 90 state facility impact fund that would reimburse Amherst for UMass’ impact on our road and sidewalk repair requirements; and/or, 2) a legislative or negotiated requirement that UMass either share its parking fees from out-of-town parkers or reimburse Amherst $1 million-dollars-a-year for its commuter and construction impact on our roads.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
More money for road repairs and stopping the budget cuts to the schools are the top two issues I hear on doors when canvassing my district. I don’t think that people would be supportive of an override to pay for what they rightfully think their taxes should already be paying for, and I don’t support one.

Every year, our town runs a surplus or ‘free cash’ which then, according to my understanding, is largely returned to capital reserves to save for the DPW and Fire Station projects (which are worthy projects, of course!). Nonetheless, I think the Council should look closely at the budgeting process and ask, why there is always a surplus? Are we overbudgeting certain items in the operating budget somewhere? Can that money be budgeted elsewhere, such as the schools or roads? Free cash is of course not “free” – it comes from our taxpayers as well, and I would imagine that many of them do not realize that it is being socked away in a savings account instead of going to address very pressing needs such as schools and roads.

It’s unfortunate that so much of our capital budget will go to servicing the debt on the oversized library project– with another at least $9 million that needs to be raised, there is a real danger that the town will be left to foot the remaining bill or face an unfinished project. Yet, we still desperately need a new DPW and Fire Station, so I suggest that we get some plans on the table that are within our means. Let’s start talking about that and looking at some specifics and maybe then we can talk about funding, which could be a mix of reserves and borrowing, without starving our school system or roads to get there.

Jason Dorney
Tax override considerations are a symptom from our lack of growth. I do not necessarily support an override for road repairs, as there are many different avenues that need to be explored first within our budgets. That being said, roughly 69% of our FY26 budget comes from property tax with another 7% coming from local receipts. We must face that we are a town that is funded by its local tax base. To increase revenues and growth, we need to make it easier to build necessary housing and open businesses and increase the property tax volume. Only then can we avoid painful conversations about tax overrides.

Lynn Griesemer
Property tax bills in Amherst have grown more than twice as fast as inflation. The property tax is not a progressive tax: it hits many vulnerable residents hardest: seniors with property “wealth” but not growing income, and renters who see tax increases passed along in their monthly bills. Property taxes are also part of the affordability crunch for younger families hoping to move to our community.

If we are going to ask the voters for further overrides, I think three things are critical: 1) that we have demonstrated exactly why this is escalation in taxes is necessary; 2) that we can show how the increase will solve problems rather than put them off; and 3) that we have strong consensus among the broad range of town leadership supporting the proposal.

District 3
Patrick Drumm
No one wants higher taxes, especially when so many families are already struggling with affordability. My first priority would be to reprioritize our budget, focusing on essential needs like safe roads and strong schools rather than discretionary projects. That said, if the choice becomes an override or deep cuts to core services, I won’t close the door on an override. My goal is to keep Amherst running responsibly, protecting both our taxpayers and the services our community depends on.

George Ryan
I am not aware of any discussion at the Council level floating the idea of a tax override to fund road and sidewalk repairs.  That is news to me.  Perhaps this came up at a Finance Committee meeting?  It certainly has not been a topic of conversation at the Council nor has it been brought to the Council for any formal discussion.  Having said that I would not be in support of such an override.  In my view to address the backlog of road and sidewalk repairs we need to do a capital borrowing in conjunction with a 3-5 year plan to catch up.  And just as importantly going forward we must resolve to make yearly and substantial contributions to road and sidewalk repairs.  If we just do a 3-5 year “catch up” and then return to underfunding road and sidewalk repairs we will soon be back in the same situation.

District 4

Pam Rooney
 I have not heard the idea of a tax override floated in a Town Council meeting, but the acoustics in the Town Room are awful. I would consider an override as a last resort.

Jennifer Taub
I would support a tax override going before the voters, so Amherst residents have the opportunity to decide if they want to incur an increase in taxes to pay for road repairs and/or prevent further cuts to the schools.

As previously stated, I would also support forming a consortium with surrounding towns to jointly bid on paving contracts and better position Amherst to compete with larger municipalities for the limited road paving services available in the western region of the state. The Council should also consider financing road repair/repaving by issuing a municipal bond that the town would repay. Issuing a bond would enable the town to pave more roads sooner, without having to do the work incrementally over an extended period of time.

5. Will you commit, at a minimum, to level-funding the Amherst Public Schools for the next three years?

At-large

Andy Churchill
I spent my career in education, I served on and chaired the Amherst School Committee, and my kids have been well served by our schools. I am deeply sympathetic to the challenges educators, parents, and students face these days, and I am committed to supporting our schools.

I’m not aware of any year in which the schools were not at least level-funded, and I can’t imagine supporting a budget in which they were not. The problem is, their costs (and municipal costs as well) have increased faster than town revenues have, resulting in cuts to service levels. At the same time, enrollments have dropped, special education and health insurance costs have risen. It’s a very complex situation to get a handle on.

In the longer term, we need to generate more revenues to support our schools. In the short term, we need to work collaboratively and based on data to make our existing resources and expenditures match up in a way that reflects our values. Education is a key value of mine. I look forward to working with my Council and School Committee colleagues on an agreed-upon set of data on trends, costs, and resources as a platform for strategic planning for the future.

Allegra Clark
I am proud to have graduated from Amherst Regional High School.  I am proud to have two children at Wildwood. The youth are our future, and in my organizing over the past five years with local youth from the high school, I believe our future is bright.  We must continue to support our youth by providing them robust learning opportunities, in and out of the classroom.  One of the ways we must do that is by committing to level funding for the schools.  Too many programs have been cut since I graduated in 2003.  We must invest in schools that not only meet, but enhance the needs of all our students, especially as our populations of English learners, special education, low-income and BIPOC youth increase.

Mandi Jo Hanneke
In typical times, level funding of any budget should be the bare minimum (i.e., allocating at least the same actual dollar amount from the current fiscal year to the next). However, we are not in typical times. The uncertainty regarding federal funding and the possibility of a recession brings a level of state funding uncertainty to the budgeting process that we have not seen since COVID began. During COVID, despite all the uncertainty and the drop in local receipts, the Council did level-fund all operating budgets, by accepting the possibility that doing so might require using reserves. 

In these uncertain times, I would approach the budget the same way – aiming to make sure each major functional area receives at least as much money in one fiscal year as it received in the prior fiscal year. However, if state aid drops precipitously over multiple years, that may not be possible, because even our healthy level of reserves may not be able to compensate for such a precipitous loss for multiple years in a row. Simply, no matter how much I want to make such a promise, in this time, with the massive level of uncertainty we are facing that is out of the local government’s control, I cannot state with certainty that all operating budgets can be level-funded for the next three years. I simply cannot predict the future and won’t pretend that it’s possible.

District 1

Jill Brevik
Yes. I am committed to level-funding the schools for the next three years as a minimum floor. My platform explicitly calls for collaborating to build a budget that meets the complete needs of our schools through full funding, with attention to special education, student needs and critical programs, livable wages for teachers and school staff, and urgent building repairs. Level funding is the baseline.

I know that many candidates agree that the schools are underfunded. I would bring a parent’s perspective to the council, which is currently an underrepresented demographic. And as a parent, I have supported groups fighting for increased school funding like Support Our Schools (SOS Amherst) and other advocacy groups, so you know I walk the walk. My direct experience means that I understand we’re in a critical situation that requires emergency attention. If elected, I would prioritize and treat this situation with urgency.

I am also committed to building stronger bridges with the School Committee, PGOs, and other resident and caregiver groups to continuously understand the most pressing needs of local schools, and safeguard our teachers, school staff, students, and parents from all forms of harassment and censorship, with a focus on equipping our schools to educate within a collective liberation framework.

Freke Ette
I’m committed to strong public schools. They are central to Amherst’s identity and future. As councilor, I will work to sustain and, when possible, increase school funding, but it must be done responsibly within the town’s overall budget. It isn’t good fiscal or legislative practice to commit to automatic “level funding” without considering current economic conditions or state aid. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to advocate for stable multi-year financial planning that supports high quality education while ensuring other essential services are maintained. 

Vince O’Connor
Because of the impact of employee cost-of-living increases and health insurance increases, etc., level-funding the Amherst (Elementary) School District and the Amherst/Pelham Regional School District budgets for even one year would result in significant teacher layoffs and class size increases.

I do enthusiastically support and will vote for at least level-service funding for both school districts, especially in light of the opening of the new elementary school, and the need for both school districts to provide a clear, continuous K-8/K-12 path forward for the popular Caminantes dual-language program now at Fort River School.

The wording of this question suggests to me that it might have been designed as a trick question, which I hope it was not. Life is complicated enough, even for Council candidates, to encourage kindness from the Indy.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
I commit to doing everything in my power if elected as a councilor to ensure at least level funding for the Amherst Public Schools for the next three years. I hope that a majority of candidates/councilors will do the same – we have to work together and that’s the only way to guarantee it. I also want to shout out SOS Amherst (Support our Schools) and remind folks that active, engaged people who support the schools will make all the difference in achieving this goal. Please stay active and continue to make your voices heard – one councilor (or sometimes even a group of them!) cannot do it alone.

Jason Dorney
Because the schools get whatever percentage increase as the town and library, it would never be the exact amount. Rather, it is generally 2.5-4% greater, so committing to a minimum of level funding for schools would likely be to their detriment. Even committing to level services would be unfair to the schools because that assumes that every year the cost of their programs, services, and positions will remain the same. I believe we should listen to the schools and the school committee to see what they need each year and start from there. I value education and recognize it needs to be funded. The numbers are not for me to decide. That is the school committee’s purview, and I will advocate for getting them what they need. It is not the school committee’s job to balance the town’s budget. 

Lynn Griesemer
The discussions in which I have been involved do not contemplate zero percent increases in the education budgets. The focus is on how best to allocate the growth revenues that we do have, and education will continue to be one of my priorities.

District 3
Patrick Drumm
Yes, I would support maintaining at least level funding for the Amherst Public Schools over the next three years. With two children enrolled in the district, I understand firsthand how critical consistent funding is to retaining staff, supporting student services, and sustaining educational quality. A predictable funding baseline helps ensure stability while allowing the schools to plan responsibly for the future.

George Ryan
The school funding challenge is my priority #1 and it will require compromise and cooperation between both the Town and the Schools.  “Level Funding” can only make sense in light of a comprehensive long range plan that considers the needs of a much smaller and changed student population and in light of the fiscal realities that Amherst and the other three Towns face.  It must take into consideration the sharp decline in student enrollments over the past 20 years, the budgetary impact of contractual agreements, the use of one-time Federal dollars during Covid to support recurring costs, and our extraordinarily high per pupil spending.  At the same time there is no doubt that the Schools face real challenges.  A changing student population with needs that for some do in fact require greater per pupil expenditures than in the past, a ruinous Charter reimbursement formula, and overall declining State aid, particularly to rural schools.  We all value and support our schools.  We can find a way together, but we must talk to each other, not at each other. 

District 4

Pam Rooney
I think level funding the schools may be possible. I don’t know the numbers of our operating budget for next year either, and cannot as of today say we can level fund that too. However, I will say that we need Charter School and School Funding formulas to be dramatically adjusted. A more equitable distribution of “millionaire tax” funding is also key. Assistance from our legislators is crucial.

Jennifer Taub
I believe we need to do whatever it takes to maintain level funding for the next three years, including advocating for increased state aid and negotiating an increased level of support from UMass and Amherst College. As the Council did for the current fiscal year – when we approved a higher percentage increase for the schools — we should not feel bound by the precedent that the same percentage increase over the previous year’s allocation must be applied to the library, municipal government, and the Amherst and Regional schools.

6. Will you commit to oppose any further borrowing by the Town for the Jones Library Expansion project? If not, is there an amount of further borrowing you would not be willing to exceed?

At-Large

Andy Churchill
The Library Trustees have said that if there is a shortfall in the fundraising portion of the funding plan, they will make up the difference. I take that commitment seriously.

Allegra Clark
I believe the library project should raise any additional funds needed through fundraising or borrowing on its own.  I agree with the previous council statement that no more town money would be committed to the project.

Mandi Jo Hanneke
As a Councilor, I voted to fund the Jones Library Building Project. It is a major step in moving our public buildings off fossil fuels and addressing social and racial inequity. It will provide necessary additional meeting space for the ESL tutoring program, a dedicated teen space, a new Humanities Center, and additional computers for accessing the internet and computer programs. Because of the project’s extraordinary programming, we are leveraging the town’s investment with additional state, federal, and private funding providing almost two times the Town’s investment. In November 2021, 65% of voters approved the project. 

As a Councilor, I consider every vote seriously, look at the facts and vote based on what I believe at the time is in the best interests of the Town and its residents. If faced with further votes on the project, I will do the same. 

District 1

Jill Brevik
I know that the Jones Library project has been contentious. I support fiscal responsibility and transparency, and I will oppose any additional borrowing beyond the town’s current authorized commitments unless the Library Trustees and town provide a fully transparent, public accounting of cash flow, strict cost-control measures, and legally binding assurances that additional borrowing will not come at the expense of essential services like our schools and roads. I will not vote to increase the town’s borrowing authorization for this project without clear documentation, independent cost verification, and safeguards that protect core municipal priorities.

Freke Ette
I respect the anxieties of the residents who worry about the cost of the library project, many of whom supported its renovation. At this stage of the project, my priority is fiscal accountability. The focus now should be on efficiently and transparently managing what’s been approved. Thus, I would not support additional borrowing unless there is a clear, verified financing plan that protects our taxpayers and other town priorities.

Vince O’Connor
I do so commit myself. However, In the event of a catastrophic disaster during construction, I would vote to blue tarp the building while insurance activities and litigation proceed – overseen by the Council jointly with, not just by the manager.

Also, in the very likely event that the Library Trustees do not meet their fundraising goal, and seek to use their endowment to cover the shortfall, I will advocate that for each $1 million of their endowment that the Trustees use, that the $40,000 that $1 million generates each year to support library services be taken into account during annual budgeting, so that school or town services do not suffer from the Trustees fundraising failures and their consequent endowment use.

District 2

Amber Cano-Martin
I commit to oppose any further borrowing for the Jones Library Project.

Jason Dorney
I am opposed to borrowing in principle. However, I have concerns about the Friends of the Jones Library being able to raise the funds that they have committed to raising. If that is the case and they need to use their endowment to cover the funds, I believe there will be issues with their ability to cover the operating expenses of the library. This being said, we cannot refuse to borrow money to complete a project that we have committed to. I would support further borrowing to complete the project if necessary, but this would require thoughtful consideration. Without more information, I could not commit to an amount that I would be willing to support as the project has only recently begun. Additional borrowing is a temporary solution. Once again, the bigger picture is that we do not generate enough revenue through our tax base to support the town we have and build resiliency for the future. 

Lynn Griesemer
In answering this question, I include verbatim by response from 2023. 

The Town of Amherst should not pay or risk any more for the Jones Library renovation and expansion; AND IT DOES NOT NEED TO. 

Financially here is how it breaks down:

• The Town of Amherst has committed to a maximum of $15.8 million to the Jones Library Building Project
• The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) initially committed $13.8 million to the project, and with the tireless help of Senator Comerford and Representative Domb, MBLC has committed another $1.6 million making MBLC’s commitment $15.4 million.
• The remaining funds must be raised by the Trustees. As of October 1, (2023) they have raised close to $8 million of the $14 million they must raise.  (This amount has increased as of October 1, 2025.) The payment from the Trustees is outlined in the original MOU (and amendment) between the Town and the Trustees.  And every effort is being made to not put the endowment at risk in order to reimburse the Town.

How Bonding for major Capital Projects that receive state funding works.  As with the Elementary School project, the Town of Amherst must bond the project for the total amount. However, MBLC payments are made on an annual basis over 5 years (now 6 years with the additional amount).  In a similar manner the Jones Library Trustees must reimburse the Town on an annual basis over 5 years.  Finally, you only borrow money as it is needed to pay for costs of the project as they are incurred, so with each year the Town’s debt decreases. 

District 3
Patrick Drumm
Yes, I would oppose additional town borrowing for the Jones Library expansion. The decision to proceed ensured that state grant funding was not forfeited, but future costs must be carefully contained. Given current fiscal pressures and competing community priorities, any further funding gaps should be addressed through the Library’s trust and private fundraising commitments, consistent with the assurances made to the town when the project was approved.

George Ryan
As I have said repeatedly at Council, I would not support any further borrowing by the Town to support the Jones project.  Any shortfalls will have to be made up through the Capital Campaign and through use of the Jones Library Endowment.  I would urge everyone, if they have not done so already, to consider making a contribution to the Capital Campaign, either as a one-time gift (whatever the amount, every contribution helps), or through a multi-year pledge.  When completed the renovation and expansion will serve the residents of Amherst and the region for generations to come. Our public libraries are our most democratic institutions.  Free and open to all, serving the whole community, irrespective of income or social status.  In a time when it seems democracy itself is under attack, I can’t imagine a better way to make a statement in support of our most basic community values. 

District 4

Pam Rooney
I am on record opposing further borrowing for the Jones

Jennifer Taub
Yes – I oppose any further borrowing by the town for the Jones Library Expansion Project.