Letter: Councilor Ellisha Walker: A Problem Solver Who Deserves Re-election

Seeing a young business owner like Alysia Bryant opening Carefree Cakery in the Mill District to a throng of customers and continuing to thrive on that support fills me with optimism for the future of this Western Mass town making space for people of African descent to live full and awesome lives here. Maybe I’m being naive, but I’m also very hopeful that despite the advice of our know it all political maven that voters will reject her PAC’s counsel and return incumbent Councilor at large Ellisha Walker to a second term.

Ellisha has worked tirelessly for a vision of radical inclusivity in our town government that reflects “the perspectives of those who are often overlooked in decision-making, particularly those who are struggling economically. Her actions, votes and priorities consistently uplift anti-racist policies, and she has proven herself to be a smart and creative problem-solver. We are fortunate that Ellisha is running for re-election.

Ellisha and my son were classmates at Amherst Regional High School and the way she shows up for the whole community of this college town is a very inspiring presence for my entire family and for all of us. We love how she reaches out to residents across the town.

She embodies and enacts so much of what Demetria Shabazz strived to do in her life here that it feels like her legacy endures in Walker’s work. I feel that what I see still resonates with voters. I’m reminded that two years ago she received more votes than anyone else who ran for local public office. I hope our turnout will be strong and that we will again give Ellisha Walker the chance to represent us for another two years.

Amilcar Shabazz is a resident of South Amherst