To the editor,
Some wishes for myself, the candidates, and fellow residents for the 2026 Town of Swampscott election.
1. May we speak kindly to our neighbors and about our neighbors. Criticism, especially over social media, is easy and can often feel good. I, myself, have fallen victim to being publicly critical, and I felt a sense of belonging when others agreed with me. It’s harder, but more important, to offer critique kindly and privately.
2. May we see beyond “party lines” and avoid putting each other in “camps.” There are no political parties in Swampscott, but recently, clear divisions have created an overly simplified “otherness” in our Town — anti-school, anti-rail trail, you name it. An all-or-nothing schema that makes us “hate” everything that one particular politician does is not productive or even realistic. As a national example, one may dislike what RFK Jr is doing overall, but most can probably agree his campaign to eradicate artificial colors is genuinely a positive idea. A nuanced perspective where we can articulate where we disagree and agree selectively without demonizing any person or group will help us heal, appreciate one another, and foster togetherness as a community.
3. May we see every community member as valuable in their own unique way and appreciate what they have to offer our town. Diversity moves us forward — that includes diversity of perspective, upbringing, background, race, gender, etc. I appreciate how each candidate this year has a different background and different positive aspects they can bring to our town leadership. Diversity also causes difference of opinion, something that — if we truly value diversity — should invigorate and cause us to innovate rather than aggravate us.
4. May we apologize, forgive each other, and seek a path forward when we make mistakes. We are a town of passionate people; sometimes we get caught up in our passions and say or do things we regret. It’s never too late to apologize and take ownership in our current unhealthy political environment, for even small matters can grow into larger resentment. Let’s learn from our mistakes and use our energy on the future rather than re-litigate the past.
To all of the folks running for office: thank you. To run for political office and choose to be in the public eye is not for the faint of heart, and I appreciate your bravery in doing so and your willingness to serve the community of Swampscott.
And to those who have felt hurt by past comments or felt unappreciated by me, I am sorry. Please know I’m trying to walk the walk and my own process of taking accountability has begun with some people in town. I am working to take responsibility in an effort to repair my own negative contributions to the culture described above.
In Kindness,
Andrea Amour
Precinct 3
