“Beth Trach is hoping to bring a new perspective to the City Council as the sole candidate running for Ward 4 this election cycle as current Ward 4 Councilor Ben Harman vies for an at-large seat.”

“I think the biggest challenge affecting the queer community in Newburyport is the same as nationally: threats to roll back fundamental, hard-won rights and the erasure of trans and non-binary identities. Newburyport may be friendlier than other parts of the country, but it’s our duty to remain vigilant in the face of attempts to codify discrimination.”

“I think there’s quite a bit we could do for short money with paint and signage to remind drivers about pedestrians and cyclists: for example, painting bikes lanes and boxing out parking around crosswalks. These ideas don’t replace the need for full design reviews during street and sidewalk repair cycles, but they are something we can do right now to make incremental improvements.”

“And that, I think, is what people are asking for right now. They are looking for leaders who listen. They’re not looking for a list of everything that’s wrong — but rather, for ideas about how to make it right.”

“We invest in city services not only for ourselves and our immediate needs, but to ensure that they are here for our neighbors and for our descendants. That requires ongoing, good-faith conversations about our values balanced against our budget.”

Ward 4’s got talent! So proud to share it at our first fundraiser.

"I think it's time for some fresh voices, some fresh ideas and a new dynamic.”