Danielle PRAY

SELECTMAN

Photo credit © Josh Gibney

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Thank you Amherst residents for placing your trust in me and electing me as the newest member of the Board of Selectmen. I will work hard to fulfill my responsibilities with sincerity, genuineness and dedication to all in Amherst!

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MEET


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Danielle Pray




Hello, my name is Danielle Pray and I am running for selectman. I feel extremely fortunate to call Amherst my home. We are 10 year residents of Amherst and searched all over New England to find this little corner of the world. My family consists of my husband Steven along with our two children. In addition, we currently are owned by two dachshund rescues, Delilah and Laney, and an 18-year old sassy cat, Goldie. Steven and I strongly believe in serving our community and both of us are active in local organizations which serve a variety of citizens.


I took an early interest in participating in town and local activities and serve on several town committees and boards. This involvement has provided me with a solid and well-grounded foundation to advance to the position of selectman. This experience includes:

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment (2018 to the present; current Vice Chair)

  • Amherst Ways and Means Committee (since 2019)

  • Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee (since 2014; most recently as Chair)


My background and education is in the law and legal fields. I hold B.A., J.D. and LL.M. degrees and have over 20+ years of legal experience. My knowledge of legal procedure, terminology, and laws and statutes will be an asset on the Board of Selectman. No current member possesses a law degree and I have the capability of serving with that added benefit and knowledge.


It has been 16 years since a female has served on the Amherst Board of Selectmen, and none in recent memory. I look forward to being the next and bringing a different perspective and view to the Board and to represent all the women, working moms, stay-at-home moms and all citizens in Amherst.


As an Amherst Selectman I look forward to building upon the great strides that have been achieved thus far, hoping to leverage my experience and education for the betterment of Amherst.




I will work hard for our community

in the following areas:


  • Encourage and increase civic participation on town boards and commissions

  • Advocate for the historic, rural character of Amherst

  • Provide an open and transparent government that proactively engages and involves the town's residents

  • Promote sound fiscal policy and practice in all town departments; and promote savings initiatives

  • Update and advocate for modernization of our town ordinances to reflect residents' vision (including to childcare/preschool provisions, and other uses; and updates to zoning language

  • Support essential town services including police, fire/rescue and DPW

  • Commit to being accessible to all residents (come meet me for coffee!)

" Dedicated to serving our community!"