 Hi, I'm Sarah Swartz, candidate for Amherst Town Council, representing District 1, formerly Precincts 1 and 3. I want to tell you a little bit about who I am, why I'm running, and what I see as the biggest challenges for the upcoming Town Council. I moved to Meadow Street in Amherst 28 years ago in order to attend the University of Massachusetts. After graduation, I began farming with my husband Joe. Later, we married and had two children that we raised in the Amherst schools. Since then, I've run my own farming operation and also founded the North Amherst Farmers Market, which ran weekly and supported many local farms. I've also been involved in the town's political life. I was appointed to the Amherst Agricultural Commission, for which I served as Vice Chair. I was also appointed to the Town Finance Committee, and I served as Town Meeting member for more than two terms. I am very familiar with the various issues that are facing our town. I'm running for Town Council because Amherst is my home. I spent my entire adult life in this community. I live on our family's home farm in the heart of North Amherst. Our fourth generation family farm is permanently protected as farmland by the state's APR program. I truly understand what sustainability means. One of the biggest issues facing our new Town Council is bringing Amherst back together as a whole community. One where people feel that they are being heard and respected. Future counselors must make decisions based upon an open mind. Looking at new zoning and capital projects in a detailed manner, and setting priorities which are necessary and affordable. Future counselors must commit to study what is best for the town, and be willing to compromise and listen so that the majority of our town feels heard and valued. Our town faces many decisions. I want to provide affordable housing. I want to broaden the tax space by bringing in industry and business. I want to work towards a sustainable community. I feel that many people are using how a candidate is prioritizing capital projects as a litmus test. I honestly feel that I cannot prioritize one project over another until the Town Council is formally seated and has a chance to evaluate each new project carefully. I want to find ways to fund capital projects without unduly taxing homeowners. Override should only occur when there are no other options. To summarize, I value honesty, transparency, and respect for all. If I am elected to Town Council, you can be assured that I will meet each new project with an open mind, and I will listen to every side. Transparency and respectful negotiation will be needed in order to heal Amherst. I am not part of a PAC or any special interest group. I am only beholden to the people of Amherst. Please vote for me, Sarah Swartz, for District 1 Town Counselor on November 6th. I am the Down to Earth and Practical Candidate.