Winning candidates move forward with priorities
Date: 9/12/2012
By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.comSPRINGFIELD — It has been just one week since the primary election but Congressman Richard Neal, State Sen. James Welch and State Rep. Sean Curran aren't wasting any time basking in the afterglow of their landslide victories, rather they're back to work and focused on the future of Springfield and their respective districts without any opposition in November's general election.
Neal reigned in 40,165 votes on Sept. 6, defeating Andrea Nuciforo Jr. and Bill Shein by more than 25,000 and 34,000 votes, respectively. Welch took 61 percent of the vote over Melvin Edwards, 6,213 to 3,925, while Curran received 74 percent of the vote, defeating Joseph Fountain, 2,496 to 866.
"The major issue percolating is the UMass [University of Massachusetts] satellite campus in Springfield. Every major city needs to have a strong connection to its major university and UMass is a major university in the Commonwealth," Curran said, noting that his priority for his upcoming term is to ensure that the campus comes to fruition.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the city of Springfield. You can do a lot of constructive things for the city of Springfield and it's something that I'm proud to do and look forward to doing for the next two years," Curran said, adding that he's also focused on the construction of Union Station and obtaining high-speed commuter rail service between Hartford, Conn., and Springfield.
Welch called his latest campaign a "positive" one that allowed him to "spread his message" to voters. He said he's focused on the economic development and improving education in his next term.
William Tranghese, spokesman for Neal, echoed Welch's sentiments.
"Congressman Neal was very pleased by the results of yesterday's Democratic Primary. It was on overwhelming victory and proof that the voters of western and central Massachusetts favored the positive campaign that he waged. He has never engaged in negative politics and the people in this region clearly appreciate that. It was one of the most convincing and satisfying victories of career."
Welch said that no matter what level politicians are at within the hierarchy, they're "all working toward the same common goal to improve the community."
He added, "I'm looking forward to continuing to work in Springfield with the expanded gaming [opportunities]. I'm looking forward to seeing how that process lays out. I want to get the greatest benefit for Springfield as we possibly can."
The senator noted that without worry of opposition for the November election he'll also focus his efforts on helping State Rep. Michael Finn gain re-election to the 6th Hampden District, which he represented prior to his bid for state senator two years ago. Finn will face Lincoln Blackie, an independent from West Springfield.
"I know I'll be helping Mike Finn. It's a priority for me. He's a good friend of mine and I hope to help him get re-elected to the House because he's been doing a great job," Welch added.
Calls to Attorney Laura Gentile, winner of the primary for Hampden Clerk of Courts, were not returned.
