Addressing Amherst's Issues

We need to make the timely repair of the potholes on Amherst roads a priority!  I have lost 2 tires and a few hubcaps, and I venture to guess that many others have as well.  Everyone who drives in town is aware of the situation, and it has been detrimental to business. Progress has been made since the spring, but much remains to be done. Funding doesn't exist to replace most of the problem areas, but repairing potholes is a different story. There has been progress this calendar year, but a systematic approach that prioritizes this issue with funding and timely outcomes is needed going forward.   

I support Council efforts to plan for a new DPW building, and look forward to the development of a pragmatic, efficient, and cost effective solution.  Similarly, there will need to be advance planning for a South Fire Station. A factor in a successful outcome, will be proceeding in an inclusive, collaborative, and deliberate process.  

  Development can be a positive thing when carefully planned to meet the needs of the community. Just look at the Amherst Cinema Building, and Amherst Coffee. Larger buildings have greater impact, and design considerations are important. The tax revenues generated from the many new initiatives are very significant and much needed as Amherst faces serious financial challenges.

Education is central to what we stand for as a community.  Both of my children graduated from ARHS recently.  Town educators and staff do a fantastic job in an extremely challenging environment!  

A very large percentage (just under 60%) of our operating budget goes to the school system, and the use of those funds is guided by by the School Committee and Superintendent.  The burdens on Amherst are higher than elsewhere given education mandates, and the fiscal reality is very challenging.

 The Town can and should step up in an acute crisis as it did this past budgetary cycle, to support our educators and staff, and buy time for future planning. Music, Arts, Languages, and other role model staff, make lasting impacts on our kids that go beyond measurement.  Retaining student facing positions, to the extent possible, is in the interest of all. It is however, paramount that the School System plans ahead for continued and increasing financial strains, and looks internally for decisions and prioritization of expenditures, that focuses on the students. 

I am very proud of my efforts as Chair of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC), and the deliberations of my fellow Committee members enabling/providing the majority of funding to bring the ARHS Track and Field project to a reality.  

Go Canes!! 

This is not just a catch phrase for me!

Click on the link below to view six years of recorded meetings of the Amherst Community Preservation Act Committee, where I served for six years, three of them as Chair.   

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnmFtV6BPFNHPzkcdFLOzdjXHsEsBpIH

Watch and judge for yourself, if I demonstrated the style of collaborative, inclusive, and deliberate leadership that would be well suited for the Town Council.   

 As your Town Council representative, I will strive for a culture of collaboration and respect by listening to the residents of Amherst and other voices of town government as decisions are made to serve the needs and values of our diverse community. I believe that community members should be granted sufficient opportunity to provide public comments, and if desired, to display their names and to be seen on camera. Similarly, attendees from the community should have the option to have their names displayed online.  

"I worked with Sam as a member of the CPA committee for five years.  He was always thoroughly prepared, thoughtful and prudent in his deliberations and decisions. He is a careful listener. As chair of the committee, Sam took his civic responsibilities seriously, working hard to ensure that every voice was heard and valued." Katie Allan Zobel

" I have volunteered on five municipal committees over the last twenty five years. I have served on the CPAC with Sam as Chairperson since 2023 During that time, Sam has proven to be the most effective, considerate, and thorough chairperson I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Electing Sam to the Council would give Amherst a wealth of institutional memory and a person with a talent for careful consideration. He is the kind of individual who provides ballast to a vessel we all care deeply about. Sam is a unifying presence. A person with outstanding character and credibility who respects and listens to all opinions. In sum, Sam would come to the council with an open mind and no personal agenda. An unusual man." Bob Saul   

 "My main takeaway from working with Sam on the Community Preservation Act Committee was that you could not manufacture a better temperament for public service than the one Sam brought to that committee. He had a great mix of strong interpersonal skills, curiosity, analytical ability and when it was most needed, a sense of humor. I know from our work together that Sam deeply loves and understands Amherst–all of Amherst. There just isn’t a better public servant." Nate Buddington

Click below to watch 6 years of

 CPAC Committee meeting recordings

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnmFtV6BPFNHPzkcdFLOzdjXHsEsBpIH  

The tax burden on Amherst residents is one of the highest in the state.  It effects those on fixed incomes and contributes to higher rent costs. We need to recognize this.  

Younger families of modest incomes are less able to afford housing than in the past and our school enrollments are continuing to decline. 

It is time for Amherst to look at decisions going forward with an eye towards spending our taxpayers money wisely  and minimizing tax increases. 

I look forward to a Council that concentrates on the facts and reliable information when considering projects and spending, without focusing on the pursuit of personal agendas.

When I become your council representative I will make decisions accordingly. 

All Together Now!  

The town has made great strides over the past six years, in support of the local economy!

It makes sense for the town to continue to seek to work together with our local businesses, Amherst BID, the Chamber of Commerce, Cooperative Markets, and others to identify areas where we can reduce strain to facilitate economic growth.  I believe in the win-win approach for our town and and our businesses and will support   facilitating mutually beneficial positive outcomes when I become your Council Representative. 

It makes sense for Amherst to continue on the path to Sustainability.  There are also many non-intrusive steps that can be explored such as water fountain outlets downtown and elsewhere to fill up containers and reduce plastic waste; and more. These types of actions will be good for our economy and will be a win-win for our community. 

I support expediting the existing plan to hire a consultant to assist in the generation of Requests for Proposals (RFP’s), from waste haulers, as regards gathering expense and fee structure information, and details for curbside compost pick-up and pay-as-you-throw options.

 Wide sidewalks and attention to accessibility have helped Amherst to encourage visitors and economic activity. Let's keep the accessibility mindset as we go forward