Vincent Rotello

independent

Support municipal unions and defend all workers’ rights to safe working conditions, living wages, dignity and job security, whether in or out of bargaining.

Fully fund our public schools, with a restorative strong budget along the lines proposed by the school committee for FY2026 as a starting point.

Work to increase Department of Public Works staffing and fund sidewalk and road repairs.

Resolutions are an important start, but Northampton needs to be a sanctuary from dangerous and illegal ICE raids. Non-compliance is a minimum – I support know your rights trainings for community members and municipal officials. Police should be compelled to intervene to prevent these kidnappings.

Work with regional and state-level advocates against austerity and privatization, including an equitable overhaul of the Chapter 70 formula for state funding to public schools and opposition to further charter school expansions.

Opt in to Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1987 to empower our school committee and city council to act as a check on the mayor’s budget and ensure our schools receive necessary resources, especially as legal needs remain unmet.

Pass a resolution in favor of rent control to show the city’s support in statewide legislature that would overturn a ban on rent control, much like Easthampton has done this year. I am actively involved in the effort to legalize rent stabilization by ballot measure in 2026.

Advocate for a Labor Standards Commission to strengthen and ensure respect for labor laws.

Commit to the democratization of capital planning, which must take place with public oversight and articulate a clear prioritization of projects.

Fund the Reparations Study Commission and restructure it into a committee. The needs of Black residents in our city cannot be met with lip service – it will take tangible resources and commitments. The Reparation Reserve Account proposed by the Commission is an important component, and contributions to and from the account should be made with ongoing guidance from Black community members.

While we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, Councilor Jarrett’s commitment to responding to us as constituents is admirable. I want to build on that model of engagement with not only office hours and ward events, but budget town halls and a movement-based approach.

Meetings should start earlier, be conducted efficiently and with publicly provided childcare, and community input should be prioritized.

Work toward the removal of L3Harris from Northampton in accordance with federal law and support a just transition for workers.

Support expansion of public housing and the rights of all residents to advocate for their needs and organize tenants’ unions. This includes defending rights of Section 8 residents facing Trump’s illegal cuts.

Hold corporations, including Coca-Cola, accountable so our community, environment and public resources are respected.