Anika Lopes: District 4
What would you say are the biggest challenges Amherst faces?
- Housing and affordability.
- Strong division within our community at a time when working together towards economic sustainability has never been more important.
What relevant experiences and qualities would you bring to the Town Council that would help it work through these challenges constructively and effectively?
As an artist and small business owner, working through challenges is par for the course. Being in a creative field where you're as good as your last collection or project, serves as a constant reminder of while we may not need to reinvent the wheel, it is always important to be open to fresh perspective and change. I believe experts are curious and both welcome and encourage challenges to my perspectives.
I have nearly two decades of experience working with diverse communities. I've developed train-the-trainer programs and built teams that merge staff with programs designed to include underprivileged youth, volunteers of significant privilege, persons with physical and developmental challenges, and adults in second chance programs. Adaptability, flexibility, active listening, placing a win for all over being right, and finding common ground that clears space for people to see each other as individuals has proven to be key in creating dynamic teams with folks who otherwise may not have ever met. I believe there is always common ground to be found.
Have you ever served on an elected board or committee in Amherst and if so, what were 3 of your most challenging votes?
I served on the Civil War Tablet Committee that was inspired by my grandfather, Dudley Bridges, and his efforts to daylight and find a permanent home for the Civil War tablets that were gifted to the town in 1893. They include the names of 300 Amherst area Union Soldiers, including members of the all Black volunteer Massachusetts 54th Regiment and 5th Calvary. This was the last project my grandfather worked on before he died in 2004 and it was an honor to help rejuvenate this quest which served as the catalyst and concept for the Juneteenth Amherst 2021 event. Challenges, as expected, revolved around COVID uncertainties and operations. Amidst the challenges, I was introduced to my 4 times great-grandfather, Christopher Thompson, who is buried in the West Cemetery. Christopher was a member of the 5th Calvary that went to Texas along with his brothers on Juneteenth, 1865 to deliver the news of liberation. In addition to being an amazing part of Amherst history, their volunteered sacrifice for freedom for all, for a better quality of life for all, inspired me to stay involved with community and local government with future generations as inspiration.
What steps would you take to engage low-income residents, renters, residents of color, and other underrepresented voices?
As a Black and Native American resident and renter from a 6th generation Amherst family, I've had a lifetime of experience being the underrepresented voice. I understand the impact of financial stressors and various reason for lack of engagement within this often invisible part of our community. Some of these community members do not have the time they would like to engage with their own children due to working multiple low-paying jobs to make ends meet, and view having time to engage with the broader community as a luxury. I believe it is important to meet people where they're at. If you do not see them during your daily routines, go to where they are. I will. Ask them what they would like to see, what they need or want from town officials to feel valued, to trust that their voice matters and has the power to impact change towards a community that better serves their needs as they see it, as they live it. I will.
I believe those who deal with the public should understand that their success as elected officials is ultimately in their ability to put action into their promises and see the contributions of others as valuable and worthwhile. I plan to further explore outreach programs already in place and offer assistance and or collaboration in creating avenues that allow these residents to participate and feel empowered as community members with the time they have, not within time frames better suited for those who make their own schedules.
“One Town, One Plan” has been in development and in public discussion for over a decade. The plan is designed to meet the town’s most pressing infrastructure needs in a financially responsible way, and prioritizes the following four projects equally: the Jones Public Library Renovation & Expansion, the Elementary School Building Project, the Department of Public Works Building, and the South Amherst Fire Station. Do you support this plan? Why or why not?
I support "One Town, One Plan". I recognize there is room for interpretation, as with most plans of this scale, and hope those with concerns about what adjustments might be possible continue to be heard. I support the library because people who don't have resources in our community rely on this space to get a fair education and shake. In communities where kids with means have opportunities BIPOC more often lack, a central library is a superpower. Some of our youth are eagerly awaiting their new iPhone 13 in a color of choice while others do not have a computer or internet service at home. I strongly believe that a BIPOC teen center is a valuable and necessary opportunity, which perhaps could be made a part of the library project. When our youth have technology, wealth creation classes, financial advising, skills and development classes, sporting opportunities, and fellowship, they will be better equipped to meet the abilities of their peers as each new school year starts. I believe most capital spending and borrowing that improves Amherst's public schools, recreational opportunities, arts, culture, and libraries, is worth the higher taxes for the people in the community who can afford to own houses.
As a member of the Town Council, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents, including those who have not previously been active in town politics?
For me, engagement begins at the point of connection which is residency and that we all want what we believe is best for our town. While we may not agree on all points, I would want my constituents to know that their hopes, concerns, dreams, and fears would not be lost with me. That I will consider all angles when making decisions, and speak my truth to best represent the district and earn the respect of constituents through performance. I'm answering these questions in large part because of community members who feel I have a good deal to offer the community and encouraged me to ask for a seat at the table. I intend to play that forward through inspiring others to get involved based on love for their community, willingness to learn, desire to make an impact within their community. That being said, I hope to show other BIPOC community members that there is room for us at the table.