Candidates for Northampton City Council may now pick up the necessary forms from the Clerk at City Hall, 210 Main Street. The key dates and deadlines are:
July 24, 2007
Last day to submit nomination papers to the Registrar of Voters. You will need at least 50 voters from your ward to sign a petition to get on the ballot. It is advisable to get additional voters to sign in case some of your signatures are challenged.
August 7, 2007
Last day to file nomination papers with the City Clerk
August 29, 2007
Deadline to register to vote for the Preliminary Election
September 18, 2007
Preliminary Election
October 17, 2007
Deadline to register to vote for the Biennial Municipal Election
November 6, 2007
Biennial Municipal Election
January 1, 2008
City council members begin new two-year term
Below are the incumbents, and here are maps of Northampton’s wards. All of the councilors voted for improved adult-use zoning for Northampton and regulations on the adult content of signage in the fall of 2006, except as noted.
Michael Bardsley, At-Large
City Council President
James Dostal
At-Large
Maureen Carney
Opposed all new adult-use zoning and signage ordinances
Ward 1
Paul Spector
Opposed both new adult-use zoning ordinances, but voted for adult-content signage ordinance
Ward 2
Marilyn Richards
Ward 3
David Narkewicz
Ward 4
David A. Murphy
Ward 5
Marianne LaBarge
Ward 6
Raymond LaBarge
Opposed all new adult-use zoning and signage ordinances
Ward 7
NoPornNorthampton supports candidates who skillfully balance the values and interests of their constituents, and who are able to see through the blandishments of callous businesspeople from out of state. If the new adult-use zoning regulations had not passed in November, Northampton right now might be experiencing the same problems with crime and prostitution as Apremont Triangle in Springfield, which has been the site of a Capital Video porn shop for over 10 years.