Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW The race for the State Representative position for the Second Hampden District will soon be narrowed to just two, but all three candidates met with voters last Tuesday at the Longmeadow Adult Center to discuss their positions on hot button issues. Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh and Longmeadow Selectman Brian Ashe, the Democratic candidates, and Longmeadow Selectman William Scibelli, the Republican candidate, met with more than 20 seniors to answer questions and to let the voters get to know them better. The first questions each candidate was asked: why he or she was running for the seat and how he or she would represent Longmeadow, which contains nearly half of the voters in the Second Hampden District. "I want to represent Longmeadow the same way I have for the past eight years on the Select Board," Ashe said. "What I've done as a Select Board member is what I will do as a representative and I'm prepared to do that job full-time." Scibelli noted that he made the decision to serve the town 12 years ago, which was followed by his joining the Conservation Commission and later the Select Board. "My goal is to give back," he said. "I love this community. The greatest asset Longmeadow has is its people." "I'm running to be a strong voice for the district," Walsh replied. "For me, it doesn't matter where you live but how you voice your support." She noted that even though she lives in Springfield now, Longmeadow was the first place she lived after her husband left the military. The candidates were asked what they thought were the greatest needs and concerns of the town. Scibelli spoke on the fact that the town has no room for potential tax growth because the town is completely "built up." Walsh said rising costs and property tax relief, helping the town become a green community and school infrastructure. Ashe noted the financial constraints and the school system as well. They were also asked about their positions on Massachusetts Turnpike tolls, Proposition 1 (which would repeal the state's income tax) and the skyrocketing costs of healthcare and taxes. Ashe said he had no problem with tolls as long as the funds raised from them is used properly. "I am vehemently against reinstating tolls in Western Massachusetts because the money would just go back to the Big Dig," Scibelli stated. "Western Mass. is not paying for that." Walsh said she was not in favor of increasing tolls either. Ashe, Scibelli and Walsh are all against Proposition 1, and Scibelli noted, "I have nightmares about what would happen if this money was cut [from the state's budget]." Walsh described the proposition as "reckless." Ashe's solution to the cost of healthcare and taxes is to "be more competitive and more aggressive to drive rates down." Scibelli said the universal healthcare in Massachusetts needs to be reformed dramatically and said the unbridled spending in Boston needs to stop. "I vow to you to vote no on new taxes," Scibelli promised. Walsh said higher taxes should be a last resort and that raising taxes should be a local decision, not one from the state. The three candidates also talked about how they have reduced spending in their territories. The topic of fluoride in the water system came up once again, with a resident asking what the candidates would do if the state mandated that towns with populations of 5,000 or more had to fluoridate the water supply. All three were against a state mandate, believing that that should be a local decision from voters. Scibelli said he was "vehemently against state mandates without state funding." One voter asked how Scibelli, as a minority being a Republican, would be effective as a state representative. "The Speaker of the House does not control the Republican delegation," Scibelli replied. "It's easier to move up a ladder of 19 rungs than it is [to move up one] with 142 rungs [referring to the number of Republicans in the house versus the number of Democrats]." "I don't think any of us will be wallflowers [in Boston]," Walsh said. "I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I'd be effective." Following the speaking portion of the event, the candidates spoke personally with the voters in attendance. Norice Smith said she thought all three were sincere and interesting but added, "I think today changed [who will get] my vote." David Doolan said, "If I flipped a three-sided coin, I'd wind up with a good representative." The primary for the Democratic candidate will be taking place on Sept. 16, and the final vote will take place the day of the country's general elections, Nov. 4. | ||||||
