Dear Dedicated Sophian Readers,
We are proud to present our October publication, the second print edition of the year. With the Northampton municipal elections coming to a close, The Sophian has prioritized covering these races. We believe it is vital to inform Smithies and community members about local politics and local elections.
As such, we, the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief of The Sophian, would like to endorse the following candidates for the City Council At-Large seats: Garrick Perry and Marissa Elkins. Perry, a current Ward 4 councilor, is the second African American man to be a ward council member and is running on a platform of diversity, supporting arts and culture in downtown Northampton and supporting local schools. We also endorse Elkins, a current at-large councilor, who is prioritizing the climate crisis, police reform and the redesign of downtown Northampton. Elkins serves as a member of the zoning committee and advocated to establish by-right zoning for two-family homes in all areas of the city. Housing and finding creative solutions to the housing crisis is a priority for Elkins.
Smithies will greatly benefit from improved housing options, a revitalized downtown and a pragmatic approach to the climate crisis. We believe that Elkins and Perry would represent Smithies well and The Sophian is proud to support their candidacies.
Participating in local elections is of increasing importance and we hope that Smithies, Northampton voters or not, will engage in local politics and recognize that they have a role in the Northampton community regardless of their ability to cast a ballot.
With Gratitude,
Phoebe Rak
Editor-in-Chief
Isabel Birge
Managing Editor
