Amherst is a truly exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Our town has long been recognized for its outstanding public schools, which consistently rank among the best in the state, providing our children with a top-tier education and preparing them for bright futures. Amherst is also home to several high-performing higher education institutions, including a SUNY flagship school, the University at Buffalo, which brings innovation, culture, and economic opportunity to our community.
Beyond education, Amherst stands out for its high-quality municipal services that enhance our daily lives, such as our well-maintained parks and golf facilities, recreational facilities for families and seniors, and well maintained network of town roads. Amherst is also one of the safest communities in the region, offering residents peace of mind and a strong sense of security, which contributes to our outstanding quality of life.
It’s important to acknowledge that the challenges Amherst faces today are not the result of decline, but rather the byproduct of our success. As our community continues to thrive and attract new residents and businesses, issues such as traffic congestion, development
By embracing the qualities that have made Amherst a premier community while proactively addressing the challenges that come with growth, we can preserve and enhance our town’s status as a world-class community. Through smart planning, responsible investment, and a shared commitment to our future, we can ensure that Amherst continues to be a place where families flourish, businesses succeed, and residents take pride in calling it home.
Deliberative Development
If elected, my administration would embark on a significant change in its approach to growth and development—
Investing in Infrastructure
Amherst’s infrastructure is the backbone of our daily lives, and it deserves strategic investment that balances long-term planning with immediate needs. I will work closely with our Highway Superintendent to ensure he has the resources needed to repair our roads and bridges to make sure our commutes are smooth and safe. A key priority of mine will be addressing critical sewer infrastructure projects, including the West Side Interceptor, ensuring its timely completion to prevent future system failures. Infrastructure investments will utilize best practices that reduce long-term maintenance and energy costs while maintaining the highest quality standards. In addition, I will partner with utility providers to ensure their services meet the evolving needs of Amherst and its residents.
Protecting Town Services
Amherst’s municipal services are second-to-none, providing an unparalleled quality of life for our residents. Our streets are plowed promptly after snowstorms, ensuring safe winter travel. Our pools are open and well-maintained throughout the summer, offering families a place to gather and enjoy. Our police department responds quickly and professionally to every call, ensuring our town remains one of the safest in the region. Additionally, our services for youth and seniors are the envy of the region, providing essential programs that support the well-being of residents at every stage of life. I am committed to protecting and enhancing these services, ensuring that Amherst continues to offer the highest quality of life for all who call it home.
Government Reform
To ensure Amherst remains a leader in municipal governance, I will introduce a dedicated Analytics, Performance, and Innovation Officer, modeled after the City of Syracuse’s successful initiative. This role will focus on leveraging data to drive decision-making, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery across all departments. We will also introduce Lean practices to make our services more efficient, eliminating waste and streamlining processes to better serve our residents. By adopting continuous improvement methodologies, we can optimize operations and provide a higher level of service without increasing costs. Finally, I will forge partnerships with local higher education institutions to make Amherst a living laboratory for innovation in public service delivery. Collaborating with students and faculty from institutions such as the University at Buffalo will bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge solutions to the challenges our town faces. This partnership will help us develop and implement new strategies to enhance municipal operations and service delivery.