 My name is Jim Pistrang, and I am running for an at-large position on the Amherst Town Council. I've been an Amherst resident for over 30 years, and my two children were well-educated at Fort River School, the middle school, and the high school. For the past six years, I have been the Amherst Town moderator, and I was a town meeting member for 19 years prior to serving as moderator. I've also been involved in a number of volunteer committees in town, and I'm currently serving as the chair of the Amherst Dog Park Task Force. We are embarking on a new chapter in the political history of our town. I love Amherst, and I want to contribute my skill and expertise to the deliberation and decision-making process under the new charter. The word process is critical. The new Amherst Town Council will need to establish a process that ensures that agendas are created transparently, voices of residents are heard in a thorough and orderly manner, and decisions are made based on reason and following careful deliberation. I have a skill set that is highly suited to the purpose of determining and establishing this process. During my tenure as Amherst moderator, I developed a unique perspective and understanding of the issues facing the town, and I have a proven ability to work effectively and respectfully with residents on all sides of an issue. I hold the detailed knowledge of the town's structure of bylaws, policies, zoning laws, boards, committees, and staff, and how they interact with each other. I am able to remain calm and even comfortable in very tense and difficult situations, relying on the rules of order to reduce polarization and foster an atmosphere of safety and respect to help keep things focused on the issues at hand. I am distressed at the level of polarization in town. My membership on the council can help to heal wounds and move us towards a better place where people can disagree on issues, but still treat each other respectfully and work together to improve our community. Amherst is facing difficult decisions in several areas, one of which involves urgently needed and expensive capital projects. The town council must establish a fiscally responsible long-range plan to support our pressing infrastructure needs, and the council must then follow through with action. Replacement or rebuilding of our aging elementary schools and a new South Amherst fire station are both at the top of my priority list. One of the challenges that will face the new council will be to find effective ways to reach out to the public. Amherst residents are wonderfully diverse, bringing a wide variety of perspectives and experiences to their lives in our community. It is critical that the council consider this variety of perspectives when making decisions about our town. Additionally, we must acknowledge the economic differences that exist in Amherst and ensure that we are meeting the needs of those members of our community who are chronically unseen, unheard and underserved. Another challenge facing our community is that of zoning and housing. Change can be a positive force, but it must be careful, deliberate, and driven by the needs of the community, keeping in mind that zoning bylaws must protect residents as well as guide development. I support form-based zoning and downtown village center density, and I would look positively on zoning changes that support these principles. Specific proposed zoning changes should be evaluated on their merits, and consideration must include the needs and preferences of the neighborhood residents. In addition, the council must develop a strategy for parking as we enter this period of growth. We must examine our options for expanded parking and consider what will best meet our needs. I urge all Amherst residents to take the time to engage in the process, study the issues, and learn about your candidates. I am open to talking to any resident at any time. To contact me, you can go to my website at jimforamherst.org. My goals as a counselor are to be progressive, fair, and independent, and to foster a positive and unifying environment for our town. I have held a position of trust and leadership in the community for many years, and I am committed to maintaining that position, and I have the experience and values to move our town forward. Vote for me if you think I am deserving, but above all, please vote. Thank you.