Tonight, the Amherst Town Council voted unanimously to approve the creation of the Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service Agency (CRESS). Below is the statement I read prior to my vote to approve the creation of the Agency. I want to use my time for a few acknowledgements. I want to thank the residents … Continue reading "Amherst Town Council approves the creation of the CRESS Agency"

Thank you! Thank you to those that voted for the library project! Thank you to those that supported me at the polls. Thank you to those that hosted signs for me, talked about me to friends and neighbors, and truly believed in me. Thank you to those that corrected the misinformation and personal attacks made … Continue reading "Thank you!"

In its third and last question for the candidates, the Amherst Indy has asked about Mandi’s budget priorities. See her answer below. Budget Priorities – What are the most significant budget challenges facing the town -in both the long run and the short, and what do you think the Town Council needs to do to address … Continue reading "Amherst Indy asks about Budget Priorities"

In part 2 of its 3-week series, the Amherst Indy asks about social justice. Here is my response. Social Justice:  What do you think are the greatest social justice challenges facing our community and what can/should the Town Council do to address them? Amherst faces many social justice challenges. A significant portion of our residents do … Continue reading "Amherst Indy asks about social justice"

The Gazette and Bulletin have asked candidates in contested elections for answers to some questions for an article they are writing. Below are Mandi’s complete answers to their questions. Why are you running for a seat on the Town Council? I am running for re-election because I have enjoyed the challenge of governing in Amherst … Continue reading "The Gazette and Bulletin ask Questions of Candidate in Contested Elections"

The Amherst Center Cultural District Board posed a number of questions to the Town Council candidates. Below are Mandi’s responses. What cultural events have you attended recently? Among other events, I have attended cultural events such as the India & Pakistan Flag 75th Celebration, the reading (as a reader) of Frederick Douglass’s What to the … Continue reading "Mandi answers questions about the arts in Amherst"

The Amherst Indy is publishing a three part series where candidates can respond to issues in Town. Below is my response to the first question: Downtown Development.  Much has been said about the flagging downtown economy. What is your vision for a revitalized and prospering downtown and what specifically would you like to see the … Continue reading "Amherst Indy asks about my Vision for Downtown"

The Amherst Pelham Education Association (APEA) contacted Town Council candidates indicating it wanted to “publicly endorse candidates whose platforms and goals…best meet the needs of our students, families, community, schools and staff.” In order to do so, they asked candidates to complete a survey. I have sent the following responses to the APEA. Town and … Continue reading "Mandi Responds to APEA Questionnaire"

Mandi Jo has consistently supported affordable housing in her first term. Below are her responses to the Amherst Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition’s questionnaire. The draft Comprehensive Town Housing Policy calls for the development of 250 new affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families, including persons who do not have housing, persons of color, and … Continue reading "Mandi Responds to the Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition Questionnaire"

I am pleased that the League of Women Voters will be again publishing an election guide in the Amherst Bulletin, on October 29th. It is always difficult to distill answers to 50 words or less, but I try. Occupation: Mother Years Residency: 10 (Although I answer this every year, I am not a fan of … Continue reading "Mandi Jo responds to League of Women Voters Election Guide questions"