A STATEMENT FROM JT TIRRELL, CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF EASTHAMPTON

"Dear Fellow Residents of Easthampton,

As you know, our current Mayor has announced her intention to resign, effective July 15. We wish her well and thank her for her service. I understand this news can be unsettling, but I believe it’s an opportunity for a clean slate and a fresh start. Easthampton needs a leader who puts the community above personal political aspirations. You have my commitment and promise that, as Easthampton’s next elected mayor, my sole focus will be on delivering results for all residents of Easthampton.

With this news, our city charter requires an acting mayor to be seated. The responsibility falls to the President of the City Council. If the President is unable to serve, it falls to a vote of the City Council to select one of its own. Let me be clear: as a sitting at-large City Councilor, I know who I work for. While I am eager to get started as Easthampton’s Mayor, I would decline an interim appointment, if selected.

I announced my candidacy to be elected—not appointed—to the seat I covet. Public service is a borrowed job, and elections are a sacred time when the will of the voters must be respected. My focus remains on serving in the seat I was elected to until such time as I am honored and humbled by the voters to be elected as mayor.

My campaign is gaining momentum every day, and our message of inclusive, decisive, action-oriented leadership is resonating across Easthampton. This is a time of transition—a bridge to a better future. I offer you all a big tent where your voice matters and your opinion is respected.

You’ve heard my slogan: No Labels | Just Leadership—it means something to me. I will not lead with the label ‘Acting Mayor.’ The voters have a voice and a choice on November 4th, and I humbly ask for your vote. -JT"