I am glad to support Virginia “Ginny” DeSorgher for mayor. I am impressed by her thoughtful work on the City Council and on the Ways and Means Subcommittee. She is also an important member of Greenfield’s Commission on Disability Access. As Greenfield works on pressing issues, including climate change and our housing crisis, Ginny is a leader with the right mix of skills. She is thoughtful when considering strategies Greenfield could use to increase housing that meets the needs of residents with disabilities, and our growing number of seniors — two groups who want and deserve to remain integral to our community. She listens and asks smart questions to better understand the issue. Ginny has the creative problem-solving skills needed to help Greenfield address our housing crisis. For example, incentives could encourage building accessory dwelling units using universal design principles. Greenfield could develop “accessibility audits” similar to energy audits. Our community could be educated on ways to improve accessible features in our existing housing stock.
With Ginny as mayor, Greenfield could be a leader in the statewide conversation about the need for more and better housing options. Yes, we need affordable housing. Yes, we need to encourage a mix of housing options. Yes, it needs to be energy efficient. And yes, Greenfield needs to lead on applying universal design across our community. Not every house or apartment can be “fully ADA compliant” but many more could at least include features that would allow people with physical limitations to live in our community. Ginny has the pragmatic skills needed to help Greenfield become a stronger community. I hope you will join me in voting for Ginny DeSorgher for mayor of Greenfield on Nov. 7.
Joannah Whitney
Greenfield