GREENFIELD — Deborah “Debbie” Richards announced her plans to run a write-in campaign for an available Precinct 1 City Council seat on Thursday.
“I’ve been paying attention to local politics and am concerned by the lack of responsive representation in Precinct 1. After watching the (Greenfield Recorder’s) candidate forum, I felt that I can offer Precinct 1 a different perspective on issues facing Greenfield,” Richards said. “I believe in investing in our public services and preserving and developing the qualities that make Greenfield attractive to families and visitors. Our precinct needs a city councilor who is responsive to constituents and a responsible steward of our local resources.”
Richards said she desires transparency in local government and is committed to having regular precinct meetings “so I can listen to my neighbors and keep them updated on city government.”
“If elected, I want to be accessible and accountable to my constituents,” she said.
According to a press release announcing her campaign, Richards has master’s degrees in American studies and library and information science, and works at Mount Holyoke College as an archivist. She and her wife, Holly Kosisky, live on Green River Road with her family. Richards has lived in Greenfield for 14 years.
Additionally, in her home state of Oregon, Richards worked for a state senator and state representative, the release states. She has been involved in human rights and social justice causes for more than 25 years.
“My family is invested in Greenfield and I want to give something back,” she said. “I can offer Precinct 1 a choice for representation that is thoughtful, engaged and committed to building a community where everyone can thrive. I want to roll up my sleeves to continue moving Greenfield forward together.”