Danielle Pray, Amherst Board Of Selectmen Candidate

Danielle Pray

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position Sought

Selectman

Party Affiliation

Family

My husband Steven and I are the parents of two children; one now in college and an 8th grader. We've been happily married for 23 years! We also share our home with mini-dachshunds Delilah and Laney, two of our most recent rescue dogs. Our sassy 18 year-old cat, Goldie, rounds out our family.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I hold B.A., J.D. and LL.M. degrees.

Occupation

I am currently not practicing law or employed outside the home but am a stay-at-home mom caring for my youngest child. I have 20+ years of experience in the law and legal field. In addition, my volunteer experience has included leadership positions in several local volunteer organizations.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I was elected to the Zoning Board of Adjustment after serving as an alternate and am now in the second year of a three-year term. I also serve as the Vice Chair. I am also an appointed member of the town Ways & Means Committee, and just completed my 2nd year in that capacity. I have also been an appointed member of the Capital Improvements Committee, have served 6 years, initially as the citizen representative, but more recently, the ZBA representative.

Campaign website

www.DanielleforAmherst.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been very active in town affairs for many years. Having served the town and it's residents in various capacities, it seems natural for me to bring my knowledge, skills and experience to a different role, that of Selectman. I will dedicate my time and enthusiasm for public service to this seat. I have only one priority and that is for the betterment of Amherst.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There is no question that residents in Amherst are feeling the economic pressures of living in Amherst. The anxiety of not knowing if the next tax bill will force a resident to sell their home is of paramount concern to me.
I worked diligently on the Ways & Means Committee to find areas where the town budget could be reduced. We were successful in keeping the town budget mostly flat this year. The Board of Selectmen were receptive to our suggestions and if elected to the Board myself, I will welcome and be mindful of the suggestions the Ways & Means Committee recommends to us. I will always be on the lookout for additional ways to keep the town budget efficient.
Additionally, it's well-known that seniors and other other long-term residents in town have felt the tax crunch the most. When it's time to down-size there are few affordable options in Amherst. Along with the Planning Board, I will work to find practical solutions to this particular problem. I have previously researched some options that may be available to the town through our zoning ordinances.
I will also work collaboratively with the school boards to address the budget and tax-related burdens that our residents experience. There is no one-budget solution to Amherst's affordability issues, and it is in the best interests of all tax-assessing authorities to work together to find a solution that least burdens our taxpayers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My education and experience will bring a unique element to the Board. I have legal knowledge and skill which will be a benefit to the position of Selectman. I am experienced with complex legal issues which will allow me to ask the right questions and seek the appropriate solutions to all matters that come before the Board.
I have been attending Selectmen meetings regularly for over two years and have learned the ins and outs of the duties and responsibilities necessary to step into the job seamlessly. I have also been attending all Planning Board meetings for two years as well and can work collaboratively with them in the coming months and years to revise and update our ordinances.
I have also been in attendance at the regular meetings of other boards and commissions in town and have a comprehensive knowledge of how these groups function within the town government system.
I have dedicated many years of service to Amherst both in town affairs and in local community organizations serving a variety of people. It's important to know your residents in this role and my broad involvement in Amherst has allowed me to gain that necessary knowledge.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am enthusiastic about promoting the myriad of town volunteer opportunities available to residents. The town requires many, many volunteers to function and it is one of my primary campaign goals to increase those numbers through publicizing opportunities and proactively asking those I meet to consider volunteering their time for those town activities.
I want to continue the noticeable efforts the town has taken to be responsive to residents and transparent in all town departments. This begins with the Selectmen and their choices in hiring and I will continue to seek out the best employees for all future job openings.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Preparing and recommending a town budget is probably *the* most important function of the Board of Selectmen. I have direct experience with reviewing the budget and being part of the budgetary process.
Having the capability to work with others in a respectful manner, is also an asset that I consider important to this job. The Board must be respectful of all opinions and views that come before it from residents and must be honest and fair-minded in all deliberations. Those are attributes that I have learned over decades in my professional career and also my volunteer service.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." (A timeless quote of Thomas Jefferson.)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been 16 years since a woman has served on the Board of Selectmen. Along with my qualifications, education and experience, bringing my perspective to the Board will provide an added benefit and outlook to the deliberations and decisions made on behalf of all residents.
I am dedicated to Amherst! My primary goal is to advocate for what is best for the town and it's residents. Please visit my website at www.DanielleforAmherst.com for more information or if you have any comments or issues you would like to discuss. See you on June 8th!