Greetings from Northampton Massachusetts. I am honored to have joined the Valley Advocate team of bloggers.
With many suggestions for naming this web log, I fell for "Northampton Redoubt" including with that title an image of the roof-line of Northampton's City Hall, which strongly resembles that of a fortress. It has been a strong media image of Northampton.
For what it is worth I intend to offer my views on Northampton's public policies. A native to this area I've been following local events, involved in some while observing others. Currently I moderate an online discussion group known as the Paradise City Forum
Like this web log, the Forum was created in order to enhance community discourse on a range of issues.
In my view Northampton's City Council has not served as an adequate check and balance on our chief executive at times.
I promise to appreciate being corrected when I've written something inaccurate so take the opportunity to offer corrections, clarifications or your own commentary. This blog is meant for open conversation so help yourself to the space, but please use appropriate language and refrain from personal attacks on others that are not based on verifiable evidence.
Welcome.
-Daryl G. LaFleur
