City Council candidate views on light pollution

1. Honestly, this topic is a new area of study to me, and I'm looking forward to learning more as issues around light come before me for consideration.  That's the approach I'd take to any issues that come before me, regardless of how familiar I am with them at the outset.  It would be premature for me to judge whether we're doing enough -- but human beings being what they are: wherever there's a problem, I'm sure we're probably not doing enough about it.  We can and should always do better, period; and I'm always game for problem-solving!
2. I haven't personally found myself in the middle of any Light Fights yet, but I would imagine that a sitting city councilor will find themselves playing referee.  So we have to comprehend the rules, apply them to the circumstances, treat everyone with equal fairness, and then update rules or refine the interpretation of them as needed.  In other words, conflict resolution and the mechanisms of it are an evolving art, in any type of dispute.
3. I think a question should first be raised as to the efficacy of committees in Northampton overall and whether one would even be able to effectuate the outcome you are seeking.  I think we may have some work to do on shoring up that procedural foundation and function.  Envisioning how a lighting committee ought to work would be helpful to that conversation.  And then, sure, if committees do help us do the right thing, you can never have too many.

1. I believe that the City of Northampton should absolutely pay more attention to the issue of outdoor light pollution because any efforts that could be put into the work of decreasing light pollution would benefit the overall health and safety of our residents as well as our wildlife populations. 
2. As a resident of downtown Northampton, I have found it occasionally difficult to relax or fall asleep at night because of all the lights from businesses and street lamps which often make it feel like the night is still young, almost like you’re always missing out on something fun if you are home and trying to get some rest, no matter how late it is. 
3. I would definitely support the formation of an Outdoor Lighting Committee. I think that city leaders and citizens working together to come up with concrete, realistic ways to deal with light pollution would be a very productive and effective process for advising the City of Northampton. 

1. We as a society have embarked on a grand experiment in human and animal health by lighting the night to levels never before seen. I am a firm believer in the precautionary principle and since there is evidence of safety concerns, I believe we must pay attention to the science of the issue and adjust our city policies accordingly.
2. I have assisted constituents in addressing light pollution and trespass issues, often with commercial buildings and parking lots. Sometimes the problem can be solved through cooperation or if there's a clear zoning violation. Sometimes the problem predates the zoning that applied when the lights were installed, and technically there is no city ordinance violation. I think a clearer process to address concerns would be helpful.
3. Yes, this would help the City make the most informed decisions around lighting throughout the design process. I support the creation of such a committee.

1. Yes, I have to say street lights in the evening  have been a problem  for one of my resident in Ward  6  The city attempted to place a shield over the light   but it was not big  enough to block the glare  going into there bedroom,They had to go into another room. That was the only size  that the city had at that time. Chris Mason  did try his best at helping my resident. He even suggested  to my residents  of a  special shade  he has  had in his home and no problems..He also suggested  they do a petiton of the residents living  on that street   about  how they felt  about  not having a street light at that  site.It was never done. There are several elderly residents  living on  the street, and it is dark at  night time.  
   
2. As I stated above. 
3. Yes, I support having the city  form a Outdoor Light Committee, I think working together  is of importance  here, in making  our street lights  safe for all involved, Light pollutioon  is a very serious  problem  and by forming this  group is in the right direction. Keeping our residents  safe  and healthy. and our wild life  safe.  

1. I believe that Northampton needs to be doing all that can to mitigate ever-increasing light pollution.  The science is clear on the negative impact of light pollution on human physical and mental health as well as its disrupting effect on migratory birds, mating and migration patterns of many animal and insect species, and the negative safety impact of nighttime glare for drivers. We need to question old norms and bring mindfulness to each decision we make about lighting. 
2. Recently residents brought to my attention glaring light pollution coming from the Leeds Elementary parking lot. Unfortunately, there are no type add on glare protection for the current light fixtures. Fortunately the new Central Services Director, Pat McCarthy, was quite responsive and persisted; he is having a communication gateway installed for the school that will have light dimming software. He is looking to expand the gateway to other municipal lighting.  Go Director McCarthy! 
3. Thanks again to Northampton City Lights for all your good work on this!  I look forward to continuing to work with you all. 

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