Cutler and Federici move on in selectman's race

Date: 3/23/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW -- And then there were two.

The town's preliminary election, which took place on St. Patrick's Day, narrowed down the candidates running for the seat on the Board of Selectmen that Joe Townshend will be vacating next month. Ron Cutler, Republican, and Paul Federici, unenrolled, are moving on to the annual town election.

"I feel good," Cutler told Reminder Publications. "I'm happy I'm moving on."

The 14-year town resident, who works with DHL Worldwide Express, said his campaign will focus on his plan to offer East Longmeadow's citizens some "real property tax relief."

He said that issue has come to the forefront with the economic troubles that the country is currently facing.

Cutler added that he wants to work on creating more athletic fields for the town, ones that will be long-lasting so that future generations can enjoy them.

"I'd also like to see what I would be able to do with the other selectmen," Cutler said.

Federici, a 13-year resident who has worked as an accountant in East Longmeadow for more than two decades, will now be running head to head against Cutler.

"What I'm trying to do, because of my background [in accounting], is help the town with its budgets," Federici said. "I think the more people understand what goes into a budget, the more confident they will be."

For the last 24 years, Federici has been handling the books for others, so he believes he can see areas where things could be improved in town.

"Who knows going forward what budget issues there may be?" he asked.

Federici also believes he can bring an "air of professionalism" to the Board of Selectmen.

"I think you can have a healthy debate and be professional," he said.

The two candidates have less than a month to further their campaigns throughout the town. Cutler said he is looking forward to meeting as many citizens as he can and knocking on as many doors as he can.

"I want to earn [the citizens'] trust," he stated. "I enjoy meeting the people."

"It's gonna be a tough fight," Federici said. "It's been a learning experience for me so far. It's fascinating."

East Longmeadow's annual town election will be taking place April 14.