I am writing to introduce myself to you as a candidate for one of the two open at-large seats on the Greenfield City Council and to ask for your vote on Nov. 4.
I was born and raised in Greenfield. Feeling the pull to be close to my roots, I decided to return home after almost 20 years away. I am now running for City Council to help bring our community together for a stronger future.
We are made up of people with different backgrounds and life experiences. Holding so many points of view and values together in one community is beautiful. This can make deciding what’s best for our city challenging as well.
I believe I am in a unique position to help guide our city as someone who grew up here and loves Greenfield deeply. I was raised by parents who were committed to a strong local economy and community and who both served on the former Town Council. Public service is in my blood. At the same time, I have also gained the perspective of years away living, working in big cities like Philadelphia, New York, and the Bay Area.
I have seen the struggles facing different communities across the country, and that perspective allows me to see Greenfield both as part of a greater whole and as special and unique. I am in a position to be a bridge between the old and new. We need both — Greenfield has a solid foundation and unique history, and we must also evolve and welcome new people and ideas if we are to thrive.
As a shiatsu massage therapist, I am skilled at deep listening and compassionate care. As a small business owner running my practice on Miles Street, I am a dedicated and hard-worker. As a visual artist, I am skilled at creative problem solving. As a community organizer, I am experienced in group decision-making.
As a member of the City Council I will help build a Greenfield where people can afford to stay, find good jobs, raise their families, and enjoy their lives. I will promote policies for our leadership in climate resiliency. I will vote for funding to make Greenfield a destination for its great public schools. I will invest in strong infrastructure like clean water, safe roads and sidewalks for our community. I will promote local businesses and local food systems to make us more self-sustaining and to bring people’s unique ideas to life for everyone to enjoy. I will promote building more housing for people with different needs and incomes. I will advocate for our communities’ most vulnerable residents including immigrants, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and anyone facing unstable housing.
To make sure that all voices are heard, the best thing we can do is slow down, find our common ground, and begin our work from there. Even — maybe especially — in times as urgent as these. What connects us is more powerful than what divides us. We may not always agree, and that’s OK. Healthy disagreement and dialogue are part of what creates a thriving community. As an at-large city councilor, I will consider it my responsibility to listen to you and honor what you care about as I work on your behalf.
Thank you for considering voting for me on Nov. 4. See you at the polls!
Maisie Sibbison-Alves is running for at-large city councilor in Greenfield.