It is both an honor and a privilege for me to endorse my daughter, Anika Lopes, for the position of Town Councilor in District 4. As her mother and an active voter, I can attest to Anika's unwavering commitment to bringing about positive change in our beloved community. Anika's dedication to Amherst has been evident in her service on the Town Council and her remarkable work as the founder of Ancestral Bridges. Throughout her endeavors, she has consistently strived to transform Amherst into a place where every resident can take pride in calling home.

Anika's passion extends to various aspects of our community, including advocating for accessible housing for first-time homeowners, affordable housing for those with limited incomes, and options for seniors looking to downsize. She recognizes the importance of striking a balance between family and student renters, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of our elders.

Anika is a person of the utmost integrity, and her campaign reflects a commitment to honesty and fairness, underpinned by a genuine concern for our neighbors and a deep curiosity about the challenges our community faces. Her roots in Amherst run deep, as she hails from seven generations of African American and Indigenous people who have called this land home since before the colonies were established.

In the spirit of her ancestors, Anika knows the significance of community and collective efforts in building a future that includes everyone. I wholeheartedly believe in her ability to lead and make a positive impact in District 4 and the greater Amherst community.

We see Anika Lopes as an ideal candidate for the Town Council. Raised in Amherst, in a family that has been here for over two centuries, she is familiar with both the schools and opportunities for employment. Returning to Amherst after college and career in millinery and creative direction in New York City, she is concretely interested in the issue of affordable housing. Responsible for the campaign to resurrect the town’s Civil War Memorial plaques, she is invested in social justice and equity for all.

I am an educator and parent and believe that Anika has a vision for engaging our youth and providing educational opportunities for our whole community. As a small business owner and successful milliner (designer of hats), Anika will not only support building a thriving local business community but will do it with style and esthetics to keep Amherst a beautiful place to live in and visit. Anika’s historical connection to Amherst, her contributions, and her passion for social justice and sustainability, will energize our community to work together. Anika’s gift for engaging people from all backgrounds and building dialogues will be an asset for the Town Council.

I’m voting for Anika Lopes to represent District 4. I feel fortunate to have someone with the deep roots and broad perspective that she brings running for office. She will listen to and represent the full diversity of our constituents with respect for the history of our town while looking towards what is right, practical and future oriented.

I'm asking my District 4 neighbors to re-elect Anika Lopes in the upcoming elections. Anika is actively engaged in our community as an organizer and business leader. I believe she has what it takes to help make Amherst a better community.

I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of being in the same room as Anika, and on all occasions, have been inspired by her words and actions. Anika uplifts community and offers an important perspective in our Town’s governance.

As a seasoned community organizer and former elected official, I believe that Anika Lopes has what it takes to be effective in office. She's a good listener and knows the community. As one of her advisors, I ask my District 4 neighbors to re-elect Anika Lopes!

 It is a great pleasure and honor to endorse your candidacy for re-election to our Town Council. Campaigning with you, I have been lifted up by the way you celebrate the humanity in each person you meet. You are a compassionate listener who makes each person feel respected, listened to, and truly valued.

I’ve worked most of my life to increase affordable housing in many areas of our country and most recently, here in Amherst. The scarcity of affordable housing in Amherst has been well-documented. The effects of that scarcity has led to problems that residents from all parts of the town recognize—homelessness, over-crowded apartments, escalating rent burdens, severe economic hardships for the most vulnerable. We desperately need representatives to Town Council who understand those needs; that will support the production of all forms of housing, including apartment buildings. I support Anika Lopes. She understands what Amherst needs.

It is with great pleasure that I go on record to endorse Anika Lopes for reelection in District 4. She is a very hardworking and intelligent person that exemplifies honesty, thoughtfulness, focus and far reaching insight that will continue to serve and strengthen the Amherst community.

Like Dr. Ennis, I will be voting for Anika. We need your voice, smarts, creativity, and wisdom in Amherst. You are an inclusive leader making space for marginalized voices and a leader who stands for progress. There is room for all of us. Let's continue to expand the mosaic that is the town of Amherst. Our diversity of thought, cultures, and identities is our strength. Thank you for your leadership. Our family looks forward to continuing to count on that.

Anika is knowledgeable, passionate, and inclusive. Through her work documenting, presenting, and sharing the Afro-Indigenous histories of the town, she has embodied and demonstrated how to advance multivalent projects, and proves she knows how to move from ideas to action with multiple stakeholders. Hers is an important voice and skill set for Amherst leadership.

I introduced myself to Anika Lopes in 2019 after I read her letter to the editor, demanding that the Civil War Tablets be daylighted. I was impressed by her commitment to sharing the town's history and her ability to get things done. The open minded collaboration Anika Lopes brings to every endeavor is awe inspiring because it is rooted in an authentic commitment to make Amherst a better and more equitable community. She is always a voice of reason and a careful listener of all points of view. Anika is a collaborator and a “get to yes together” person like nobody I’ve met before. District 4 Amherst voters, please vote for this amazing Amherst scion who honors her ancestors through her work on the council and ensures that future generations will thrive in our community. 

I’ve come to know Anika Lopes as a bridge builder in these challenging times. She participates in campus events and raises arts and culture to all she experiences. She always makes a full positive effort and asks how we can do better together. Her natural sense of balance can be effective in harmonizing all constituents from all sides of the table.

There could be no better ambassador for the town than this generational leader. I wish her great success in her run for re-election. 

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this endorsement for Anika Lopes, an invaluable member of the Amherst community and a remarkable individual whose contributions have already left an indelible mark. As an alumni of the Five College area program and a dedicated parent of a student at UMass Amherst, I have had the privilege of witnessing Anika's unwavering commitment to promoting understanding, unity, and the rich history of our community.

Anika Lopes is a true advocate for the unique tapestry of Amherst and she has dedicated her time and energy to giving voice to the genuine history of this region. With a passionate fervor for preserving and sharing the untold stories and diverse experiences that have shaped our community, Anika has embarked on a mission that is both admirable and essential. Her work in uncovering and celebrating the stories that often remain hidden is not only a testament to her dedication but also a profound way of connecting our past with our future.

One of Anika's most outstanding qualities is her ability to work with multiple stakeholders and create bridges between the institutions both entrepreneurial and academic within Amherst and the wider community. She recognizes the importance of a strong partnership between and the people who reside here. Anika's tireless efforts to foster collaboration and understanding between these entities have had a positive impact, promoting the exchange of knowledge, resources, and culture in our community.

Anika is a visionary leader who is tirelessly working to enrich our community and empower it with the stories and heritage that make it special. Her commitment to, amplifying, supporting and creating space for underserved communities to have a seat at decision making tables is laudable and is THE characteristic that makes her essential to the Amherst Town Council!

I wholeheartedly endorse Anika Lopes. Her passion, vision, and tireless commitment are a source of inspiration to us all, and I am confident that her endeavors will continue to uplift our community and bring us closer together.

As a Town Councilor for two terms, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the shared values and concerns that unite us as a community. It is crucial to remember that despite our apparent differences, we all deeply care about the same things that make our town special— Open spaces, history, arts and culture, and an excellent education system.

Invariably, we also concur on the pressing challenges that our town faces: decaying infrastructure, insufficient pedestrian and cyclist-friendly roads, the imminent threat of climate change, a shortage of affordable housing, systemic racism, underpaid teachers, and town staff, alongside inadequate revenues to address these needs.

To address these challenges effectively, we must elect Town Councilors who bring unique experiences and skills to the table. It is crucial that our Council reflects the diversity of our community, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. When casting your vote, there are two key factors to consider:

Does the candidate represent a community that would otherwise be missing from the Town Council?

How does the candidate navigate the competing needs of our diverse residents?

In light of these considerations, I wholeheartedly support Anika Lopes for the position of Town Councilor in District 4. Anika is not only the sole candidate representing indigenous families in Amherst, but she also possesses the invaluable ability to approach issues with an open mind and integrity.

Having worked closely with Anika as a fellow councilor, I have witnessed her dedication to understanding various perspectives and finding common ground among stakeholders. As the chair of the Town Services and Outreach committee, her leadership has brought together residents, advocacy groups, and Councilors, fostering collaboration and progress towards shared goals.

Furthermore, Anika has actively worked alongside community members to organize celebratory events like Juneteenth and storytelling highlighting the lived experiences of Black and Indigenous families in Amherst. Her empathy, sense of humor, and ability to connect with people on a personal level make her an exceptional candidate who can genuinely address the diverse needs of our community. I hope you will support Anika Lopes' campaign so she can continue the work she started two years ago.

I support Anika because she is understanding of all different views. Anika does not choose one idea without hearing the views of others. Anika tries to make sure that all of the decisions she makes will be supported by all different age groups and opinions. Anika chose me to be her youth campaign advisor because she believes in the opinions of others, even those of us who cannot vote. I am Daniella Sherman, I am 13 years old and a Freshman at the Amherst Regional High School.