Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Scibelli kicks off campaign for state rep seat

(left to right) William Scibelli, who is running for Mary Rogeness' soon to be empty state representative seat, speaks with one of his supporters, Rocco Falcone. "I think he's going to do great things," Falcone said. Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn
By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



SPRINGFIELD Longmeadow Select Board member William Scibelli kicked off his campaign for Mary Rogeness' state representative seat in style on Thursday at Onyx Fusion Restaurant in Springfield.

Scibelli is campaigning for the Second Hampden District seat, which represents one of the largest populations in Western Massachusetts Ward 6 in Springfield, Precincts 3 and 4 in East Longmeadow and the towns of Longmeadow, Hampden and Monson.

"Every once in a while you need a new challenge," Scibelli stated in a release. "I fully intend to prove to the voters of the Second Hampden District that it's a challenge I'm up for."

As well-wishers and supporters mingled at the campaign kick-off, Scibelli confided, "The reason I'm running for this now is because I got a phone call from Mary [Rogeness], asking if I would run. I wouldn't have run if Mary was."

He said he took two or three weeks to think it over before deciding he wanted to run for the seat.

"I want to make sure I could do the job," he stated, " and do it well. I think I can." He said he would prioritize the representative position over his position at his law practice, but that he would continue practicing law.

"As a lawyer, for 20 years I've represented others' interests," Scibelli explained. "This would just be putting on a different hat. I'll be doing the same thing."

He added that he wants to be the representative that he himself would want representing him.

Fellow Longmeadow Select Board member Paul Santaniello said he chose to support Scibelli because of the work he does.

"We disagree at Select Board meetings, but he does his work and I respect that he has a well-informed position," Santaniello said. "That will lead to a good working relationship in Boston, because it's tough to be a Republican there."

Santaniello mentioned the heated debate at Longmeadow's Annual Town Meeting about a $90,000 cut in the budget and how Scibelli "understands what that money really means to the services in the town."

"He understands every dollar means a lot to these communities," Santaniello said.

He added that his fellow selectman has done his time, understands the issues, is very level-headed and can be passionate but not angry.

"He will really advocate for our town and our district," Santaniello stated. "I wouldn't support him if I really didn't believe in him."

Longmeadow Select Board member Brian Ashe is also running for the state representative seat.

"I'm not going to Boston to sing the praises of [government]," Scibelli stated. "I want to represent the people that are here."

Prior to his Select Board experience, Scibelli served as the chair of the Longmeadow Conservation Commission from 1998 to 2004. He has been a resident of Longmeadow since 1976.