Testimonials
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“I am deeply thankful to Mike for his commitment to consistently offering clear, thoughtful context that cuts through the noise and helps illuminate the deeper "how did we get here" questions surrounding the challenges our schools are facing. In a time when some rely on isolated statistics to obscure the full picture, whether intentionally or not, his resolve and ability to provide meaningful, grounded insight has been invaluable to the community. His contributions helped me as a new parent to the district to focus on facts and historical information (that was important to connecting certain crucial dots!) as I faced the task of doing my own research to be able to understand the full picture. This quote by George Orwell comes to mind: "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." I know how exhausting and often thankless that revolutionary work can be. Your dedication, courage, and voice are seen, heard, and deeply appreciated.”
— Maria V.
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“I want to say something about my friend Michael Stein, whose Michael Stein for Ward 4 School Committee seat is being challenged by a last minute write in candidate who just happens to be the wife of the Mayor's powerful Chief of Staff. Mike's unwavering advocacy for fair treatment of our most vulnerable children, and his insistence for honesty and accountability have become a sharp thorn in the administration's side. When I first joined school committee in January, I was "warned" by several people about Mike. When I think back to that now I just shake my head and laugh. Mike and I got to know each other really well during last spring's important budget season. He was unanimously elected to be the chair of the budget and properties subcommittee because of his in-depth knowledge and facility with the budget. What I know about Mike and what I love about him most, is his deep and steady commitment to the children and families of Northampton, and the professionals who tirelessly serve them in our public schools. Everything Mike does - his thorough preparations, his writings, his statements; his ability to empathize and go all out for others; his willingness to point out dishonesty even when that causes others to attack and vilify him - he does in service of our children. And yep - I have seen him get mad too, because he has very little tolerance for dishonesty and stingy -ness, and callousness - all of which is on bold display in our city. And yep - as in all good friendships, we sometimes disagree, and that is good too. Beyond that - Mike is kind, and funny, and sensitive, and bold, and my life is better because he is my friend. If the powers that be manage to push him out it will be a loss from which we will not soon recover.”
— Anat W.
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"To the Voters of Ward 4: My family is a tapestry woven from both profound loss and resilient hope. I am the guardian of three first-generation refugee children who attended the Northampton Public Schools, two with IEPs, and the legal caregiver of a disabled boy who lost his mother, his home, and his entire community. When the system denied him his McKinney-Vento rights, it threatened the only stability he has left. Our children carry the weight of many hardships—poverty, the generational trauma of genocide, disability, and the ache of being motherless and homeless. As a chronically ill and disabled parent, the constant battle to secure their safety and rights has kept my own body in a state of fight-or-flight, worsening my health. I have had to be a "Mama Bear" out of sheer necessity. But then there is Mike Stein. Meeting after meeting, year after year, Mike has been a steadfast champion. He doesn't just listen; he acts. He embodies the belief that "all children are our children," and with him on the School Committee, I feel a profound sense of relief I have never known. For the first time, I can truly rest. I can finally heal. I know, deep in my soul, that my children are safe because Mike Stein is fighting for them. He is the one person in a failing system I trust completely to defend our most vulnerable on the School Committee. Thank you, Mike, for standing up to the powerful on behalf of those who have no power. You are not just fighting for policy; you are fighting for their futures. Please join me in re-electing Mike Stein for Ward 4 School Committee. For the sake of every child in our city, and for every parent who needs to know their child is in good hands."
— Jamie G.