Below is a record of how councilors in leadership positions have voted on key issues related to environmental suitability, racial justice, economic justice, planning, zoning, affordable housing, and democratic participation.
KEY:
YES vote: Supports the legislation/subject at hand and voted to support the local bylaw.
NO vote: Does not support the legislation/subject at hand and voted against the local bylaw.
AUTHORED: To write, design and sponsor a motion or proposal and vote to support it.
Mandi Jo Hanneke Councilor At-Large running for re-election. Councilor Hanneke has served two consecutive terms on the Town Council, one as Vice President. She is the chair of the Council committee in charge of planning and zoning and formerly chaired the committee in charge of rules/legislation. She also represents the Council on the Joint Capital Planning Committee and the Budget Coordinating Group.
Funding of a New Diesel Bus instead of a Fully Electric Option: YES
Approval of the FY23 Budget, removing funds for the arts, technology and educator positions: YES
Creation of a fund for Reparations in Amherst: NO
Resolution to Support Student Loan Debt Relief: NO
Adoption of a Temporary Downtown Building Moratorium (Opposed by Big Money Developers): NO
Development of a plan to repair the harm done to BIPOC youth during the July 4th incident with Amherst Police: NO
Disenfranchisement of voters by consolidating voting locations, rather than having neighborhood precincts: YES
Proposal to amend Council rules to significantly restrict public comment after backlash from her action to cut off public comment by BIPOC residents: AUTHORED
Lynn Griesemer District 2 Councilor running for re-election after serving two consecutive terms as Council President. The Council President moderates the council meetings and sets the council's agenda.
Funding of a New Diesel Bus instead of a Fully Electric Option: YES
Approval of the FY23 Budget, gutting funds for the arts, technology and educator positions: YES
Creation of an affordable housing task force: REFUSED TO PLACE ISSUE ON COUNCIL AGENDA
Adoption of a Temporary Downtown Building Moratorium (Opposed by Big Money Developers): NO
Development of a plan to repair the harm done to BIPOC youth during the July 4th incident with Amherst Police: NO
Disenfranchisement of voters by consolidating voting locations, rather than having neighborhood precincts: YES
Proposal to amend Council rules to significantly restrict public comment after backlash from action to cut off public comment from BIPOC residents: SUPPORTS
Andrew Steinberg Councilor At-Large running for re-election. Councilor Steinberg has served two consecutive terms on the Town Council and is chairman of the Finance Committee where the Town Council decides how town money is spent and what the tax rates are.
Funding of a New Diesel Bus instead of a Fully Electric Option: YES
Approval of the FY23 Budget, removing funds for the arts, technology and educator positions: YES
Creation of a fund for reparations in Amherst: NO
Adoption of a Temporary Downtown Building Moratorium (Opposed by Big Money Developers): NO
Development of a plan to repair the harm done to BIPOC youth during the July 4th incident with Amherst Police: NO
Disenfranchisement of voters by consolidating voting locations, rather than having neighborhood precincts: YES
Prohibition of audible demonstrations of approval or disapproval during council meetings: YES
Please click here to see a full list of how your councilors voted on contentious issues.