Endorsements — Laurie Loisel for Ward 3

See what friends and neighbors have to say about Laurie:

I’ve always been more interested in talking about local politics than getting involved in an actual campaign. Until now.

For the past two years, I have been so disturbed by the behavior of the current Ward 3 city councilor that I decided to work on a campaign to unseat her. I worry about the future of our city because of the toxic way the incumbent councilor works.
I want our city to function and for that to happen, we need city councilors who know how to work together to get things done. The mayor does not have all the power and neither does the City Council. They have defined roles and they need to work collaboratively.

We need strong leadership and a champion for our city. I believe that candidate for Ward 3 is Laurie Loisel, someone I believe to be honest, forthright and committed to this city. I respect her and I know she will do what she says she will do. I believe Loisel is the right candidate for this council seat, and that is why I spent several hours recently attaching sheets of paper that read Vote Sept. 16th! to the 100-plus lawn signs scattered around Ward 3 for Loisel. I’ll be voting for her on Sept. 16 and again on Nov. 4. I invite other Ward 3 residents to join me.

—John Frey, Ward 3 Resident

I’m delighted to support Laurie Loisel in her candidacy for Ward 3 city councilor. I have been consistently impressed by her clear-eyed take on the issues that matter to me and my neighbors here in Ward 3, and to all of us who love Northampton. I appreciate how she gathers information, listens to a variety of perspectives, and bases her opinions on facts, not fantasy. At a time when conspiracy theories and “us vs. them” attitudes seem to have taken over the political discourse, I am grateful for Laurie’s honest and forthright style. I can’t wait to vote for her.

Naomi Shulman

"I’m a fan of Laurie’s work from her days as a Daily Hampshire Gazette reporter. Her stories were thoroughly researched, covering all angles of a particular issue and asking questions of multiple sources to get to the heart of the matter. Ward 3 will gain a lot with this kind of dedication to seeking the truth and understanding of an issue; now more than ever, we need this kind of effective representation."

-Kelsey Flynn, Ward 3 resident

“Covering the city for many years as a journalist for the Gazette has given her a deep understanding of our city government and the issues facing the council. She is a thoughtful, well-informed person who examines issues thoroughly.”

-Ellen Nigrosh, Ward 3 resident

“She was inclusive of everyone’s opinion, she sought to understand issues, she was organized and hardworking. The meetings were highly collaborative and a pleasure to attend. These are the precise skills and attributes that I want my city councilor to have.”

-Jennifer Dieringer, Ward 3 resident

“Every ward deserves a councilor who respects different perspectives, listens to concerns and ultimately casts a vote when the matter is before the City Council. Laurie Loisel will be that kind of councilor.”

-Benjamin Spencer, Ward 2 resident

“Laurie listens, asks questions, and thoughtfully considers differing viewpoints. Laurie’s civil and unflappable manner will be an invaluable asset in reaching real resolutions to difficult issues on behalf of constituents.”

—Peter and Madeline Weaver Blanchette, Ward 3 residents

“She has quietly immersed herself in our community for decades and in myriad important ways. She is a model citizen, a trusted and caring neighbor, and a proven problem-solver who will dig into the issues and work to identify solutions, not for attention but because she cares.”

-Michael Goggins, Ward 3 resident