Sunrise Amherst is a local, youth led organization focusing on intersectional climate, racial, and economic justice, and enacting the Green New Deal. They asked an extensive set of questions. Below are my responses. What makes you an interested and qualified candidate?  I believe community service is important. I am motivated to serve on the Council … Continue reading "Mandi responds to the Sunrise Amherst Endorsement Questionnaire"

The Amherst Firefighters Local 1764 have endorsed Mandi for Town Council: “Councilor Hanneke has been instrumental in assisting us in gaining much needed equipment through ARPA or ensuring funds are being secured for a new fire station. Ms. Hanneke has made the fire department a priority which benefits all residents and visitors of Amherst. We … Continue reading "Amherst Firefighters Local 1764 Endorse Mandi Jo for Town Council"

As with previous years, I will be posting my responses to any candidate questionnaires I receive and respond to. The first one up this campaign season is the Amherst Forward questionnaire. Role. Amherst has a 13-person Town Council that hires and works with a professional Town Manager (and, through the Manager, Town staff). What do … Continue reading "Mandi Responds to the Amherst Forward Candidate Questionnaire"

Yesterday, Councilor De Angelis and I withdrew our zoning proposals that were aimed at creating more opportunities to adding missing middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, town houses, and converted dwellings). I learned a lot from the process and are grateful for the time Town staff, the Planning Board, and the Community Resources Committee spent reviewing it, … Continue reading "Zoning proposal withdrawn with an eye towards the future."

Amherst needs more housing. We need housing for the students who liven up our town, for families who send their kids to our public schools, for retirees who wish to age in place, and for service workers who want to live near where they work. To address these needs, we need housing in the “missing … Continue reading "The missing middle in Amherst housing"

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"