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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD Just as in this year's preliminary mayoral election, voters were reluctant to turn up at polling stations last Tuesday. But even with only 35 percent of the city's population having voted, Mayor Edward Gibson still managed to sway the majority for a fifth consecutive election. Gibson received 3,173 votes, while his opponent, City Councilor George Kelly, received only 2,509 votes. "The election went well except for the final count," Kelly said with a chuckle. He added that he thought he "ran a great campaign" that focused on the issues. Kelly said he was unsure of whether or not he would run again in two years. He added that having spent the past 37 years in public service he would miss "being a part of the decision making process." "I ran against an entrenched four-term incumbent and I've come closer to beating him than anyone but close is not what you want in politics," he said. Kelly added the he has always considered himself to be a "strong, independent voice for the people of West Springfield" and that he will continue to be so. Unlike other communities residents will not be in store for any rude awakenings come Jan. 1 when Gibson is sworn in for his fifth consecutive term in office. Gibson said that he believes his record, qualifications, education and business backgrounds are what made him the more "credible candidate" to voters. He added that he will "stay the course" as West Springfield is right on par with neighboring communities. Gibson said he will continue to focus on infrastructure improvements, budget stabilization, taxes, business growth and an "ambitious school building program." He added that the poor conditions of the high school building will be addressed in the building program. Gibson made it clear that the rumors of a possible override to fund the repairs are only "a figment of someone's imagination." He said that while "getting Massachusetts school building assistance is key, no override is needed." When asked about how commercial business growth could be achieved in West Springfield he said that 80 percent of the land is "built out" however "the key to future growth is to go back and see what is underutilized or not used to better benefit the community." Gibson said one of his main concerns over the next two years, as has been during his tenure is "how to live within proposition 2 1/2 and not need overrides." He added that he is committed to maintaining a structurally balanced budget while keeping in mind the increased burden on local taxpayers as state aid has significantly decreased over the past four years. "Unlike other communities were are in a very good financial position," Gibson said of the balanced budgets and the city's hefty stabilization account, which is the 18th highest in the state. When asked if the stabilization account can be used to offset rising taxes he said that methodology will only artificially lower taxes. Gibson said he will also continue working toward more infrastructure improvements such as replacing more of the city's aged sewer system to increase water distribution. He added that many more sidewalks are in need or repairs as well as changes to several intersections such as "Riverdale and Highland and Union and Memorial." Overall Gibson said that he will continue his plans and policies for the city over the next two years and maintain City Hall's open communication with the community. *** The elections for District City Councilors and City Councilors at-large also took place last week. District One incumbent Angus Rushlow ran unopposed and received 351 votes; 2nd District incumbent Cynthia Romaniak also ran unopposed and received 942 votes; 3rd District incumbent Michael Finn ran unopposed and received 1,592 votes; 4th District incumbent John Sweeney received 858 votes, beating challenger Michael LaRiviere who received 650 votes. Elections for the five City Councilors at-large allowed incumbents Gerard Matthews, Kathleen Bourque and Paul Boudo to remain on the council. Matthews received 3,463 votes; Boudo received 3,311 votes; Bourque received 3,260 votes; Richard Newman received 2,906 votes; and Robert Mancini received 2,406 votes. Ralph Shapiro, Vernon Coleman and Travis Chaput received less than 2,370 votes. The battle for the six seats on the School Committee ended with Peter Andrew's dismissal. Andrew was the only incumbent to be unseated having received 3,245 votes. Nancy Farrell received 3,838 votes; Kathleen Alevras received 3,761 votes; Joseph Foresi Jr., received 3,648 votes; Daniel Sullivan received 3,564 votes; Carmino Santaniello Jr., received 3,428 votes; and Patricia Garbacik received 3,381 votes. | ||||||
