DLE MEMBER ENTERS POLITICS WITH THE GOAL OF BUILDING CONNECTIONS

By Sophie Casciano, DLE Communications Intern, Undergraduate Student at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 

Last February, DLE member Alisa Costa made a bold new career move by announcing her candidacy for City Council in Pittsfield, MA. Over 25 years of experience working in public policy paired with her extensive involvement in the DLE convinced her that this would be a new and powerful way to create an impact on her medium-sized city.

By fostering new relationships with other DLE members, volunteering to plan DLE events and actively participating in programs, Alisa says she found “the power of connection.” She wants to bring that spirit to her hometown by creating connections that  yield more opportunities for residents.

“I want to lift up the voices of residents so that they are heard beyond me…and let’s figure it out together,” she explains. “Government is at its best in conversation with people.”

In addition to her consulting work with her firm Engaged Communities Consulting, Alisa wants to strike up conversations with the public through an initiative she calls “Council in Your Corner.” She proposes making local coffee shops and pizza places the setting for her to meet with residents and hear their ideas for improving their community–providing the opportunity to discuss with others tough issues like social justice and access to basic services.

As the November election approaches, Alisa will continue to build momentum for her campaign by reaching out to voters, sharing her vision for Pittsfield, and demonstrating her commitment to building strong connections between the city and its residents. The DLE wishes her the best in her political endeavors!