The historical roots of Amherst go back to the 17th century with the founding of Hadley. It would seem odd, therefore, to ask: “Does Amherst exist?”  Quite clearly it does. Wind the tape of history back to the beginning, however, to discover that Amherst did not have to come into being as a town.  The district of Amherst, for example, split apart from Hadley as a result of a petition to the General Court in Boston, which did not necessarily have to assent. Both Amherst and Hadley were the products of political deals that did not have to occur. Why, then, should any particular town exist?  Is the existence of a Town necessary for the sustainable future of its people?  These questions must now be contemplated.