I met Carolyn Shores Ness when we worked against the fracked gas pipeline. She was the only local Selectboard member who thought of using the power of the Board of Health (in Deerfield, the Selectboard is also the BOH) to stop the pipeline, and was even willing to be personally sued. Would her opponent have had that foresight and courage?

Carolyn has succeeded on so many issues it’s hard to know what to include: supporting farmers; drive-through flu clinics for seniors; business development appropriate to Deerfield; sustainable mosquito control; creating a more climate-resilient town. Would her opponent have taken the time and effort to protect us?

When July storms destroyed many Deerfield roads, Carolyn led the fight for state money to pay for emergency repairs. She worked tirelessly with our police chief and the Department of Public Works to make emergency repairs in the most cost-effective manner. In January, Massachusetts awarded Deerfield $1.58 million for repairs.

Carolyn works 50 to 60 hours a week for Deerfield. She has forged strong working relationships with state and federal legislators. She gets things done. Would her opponent work so hard? Has he made those connections?

Quoting Carolyn: “I am running this year because I want to protect the recent progress Deerfield has made. If reelected, I pledge to work with all residents to make decisions that are fair, fiscally responsible, forward-looking, and support our farms, local businesses, and environment. We can’t afford to move backward. We must protect the progress we’ve made together!”

Ava Gips

Citizens for Carolyn Ness, Deerfield