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Williams, Sarno spar on issues

Date: 10/20/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



NEWS ANALYSIS

SPRINGFIELD -- Mayor Domenic Sarno spoke about Springfield's glass being seen as half full and one could draw a conclusion from his comments that his challenger, long-time City Councilor Bud Williams, might be seeing the same glass as half-empty.

Williams told a packed crowd at the mayoral debate presented by the Amory-Quadrangle Civic Association (AQCA) on Thursday night the city was "out of control."

"If you folks feel safe, then vote for my opponent," Williams said.

Earlier that day, Williams had spoken at a press conference at the Center Stage strip club on Dwight Street where another shooting had taken place.

Throughout the debate, Williams made references to a "failed strategy" on policing and said he has a "four-point plan to make Springfield a safer city."

The two men presented differing views at the debate and Williams showed no fear to harshly criticize Sarno.

AQCA member Carol Costa served as the moderator asking the two men 12 questions. There was time for both introductory and concluding remarks.

When asked about downtown development, especially 31 Elm Street and Court Square, Sarno noted his work with University of Massachusetts (UMass) officials in crafting a plan for UMass' involvement at Court Square. He also noted that work was progressing on the redevelopment of Union Station and that his administration was hiring a business retention specialists to help existing businesses stay in the city.

Sarno said that this week there would be an announcement about a new company coming to the city.

Williams charged that Sarno had not answered the question and said, "31 Elm Street has not been developed. It is a failed strategy of this administration."

"There's no development, no potential development until we rid the city of crime," Williams said. He noted that when a Dunkin' Donuts closes downtown there is a problem.

"His idea of economic development is putting the hot dog guy out of business." Williams added.

When Costa asked about a commitment for more support for the renovation of historic homes and a more aggressive code enforcement effort, Sarno cited the third "Clean Sweep" code enforcement move which brought violators into Housing Court. He said he has lobbied the state for the creation of more tax credits for historic renovations.

Williams said Sarno's administration had another "failed strategy" with its relationship with members of the legislative delegation. He said there needs to be more money coming into the city so "we can work on those properties."

Costa asked if the city was going to have to rely on new hotel and meals taxes to bring in additional revenue with the eventual elimination of the trash fee.

Williams said he is opposed to the taxes as they might be a "budget buster" to some businesses.

He said the city can't tax its way out of its problems and warned that a new round of state budget cuts would affect the city. The new taxes would not be enough to help the city and Williams said the city doesn't have a spending problem it has a revenue problem.

Sarno corrected Williams that Springfield did not opt for a local hotel tax option and the meals tax -- on a $100 tab the tax would be an additional 75 cents -- would not be a burden.

Sarno said he has positioned the city very well to withstand additional state budget cuts and noted that under his stewardship the city's bond rating has improved.

On the question of supporting efforts to create more middle-class housing, Sarno said that he has supported the inclusion of market rate units in low-income housing projects. He added the "Buy Springfield" program to encourage greater real estate sales in the city and the creation of one of the state's first centers to help people with foreclosure issues were other efforts that have helped the city.

Williams called for a regional approach to address new low-income housing and said that East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Wilbraham " need to do their fair share."

He called the controversial Longhill Gardens development -- in which Sarno committed city funds -- as "an accident waiting to happen." He said the "warehousing" approach represented by projects such as Longhill Garden doesn't work and that home ownership is more effective.

Williams said he would put a moratorium on such projects if he were elected.

On the problems of perception presented by crime in the city's entertainment district, Williams said, "It's in the mayor's lap to do something about it."

"This city is out of control and it's not safe," he said.

Sarno cited his closing of Fresco's restaurant, the temporary revocation of the liquor license of the Club 418 following a shooting there and his new regulations concerning 18 to 21 year-old events show his commitment to improving the entertainment district. He asserted that Williams "stood silent" on this issues.

"He was silent on all three. I acted on all three," Sarno said.

When asked about his single greatest accomplishment as mayor, Sarno listed three: the balanced budgets he has produced, the reserves of city funding that have been maintained and the improvement of the city's bond status. He also described his pride in hiring Police Commissioner Fitchet, School Superintendent Dr. Alan Ingram and Chief Development Officer John Judge.

Williams chided him on the hirings and told him he couldn't take sole credit for them. He added his proudest accomplishment was the creation of the responsible employer ordinance that would insure Springfield residents would be hired for city construction projects.

Both men agreed on the need for a new residency requirement within the confines of collective agreements.

If elected, Williams pledged the "doors of City Hall would be open."

"This city will be a mosaic of all of us," he said, promising to include those residents who don't see themselves as part of that mosaic.

He said, "the city is at a crossroads" with both neighborhoods and individuals "feeling like throwing in the towel."

Sarno said there was "plenty of good" in the city and there are programs in place to help move the city forward.

He noted the opening of the Springfield Falcons season drew over 5,000 people to downtown and there were not incidents, the recent Basketball Hall of Fame induction drew "rave reviews" from the organizers and it went without incident, as well.

"The city is moving in the right direction," he concluded.