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Date: 9/25/2015
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Nathan Bech is putting “hard work” at the forefront as he runs for the District 2 seat on the Town Council.
Bech grew up in West Springfield before joining the Army Reserves, attending Colgate University and then serving a tour to Afghanistan and then Iraq. When he returned home he ran for Congress in 2008 as his first try with politics.
“I aimed high,” he said with a laugh.
He was ultimately defeated and he rejoined the Army Reserves, being deployed to Djibouti in 2012. Because of budget cuts, his unit was offered an opportunity to come home early from deployment. With Hard Rock attempting to get a bid for a hotel and casino, Bech came home to organize an effort to stop it from happening.
“It bothered me greatly, and there was an organized effort to stop MGM in Springfield, but there was none in West Springfield,” Bech said. “I came home early, giving up my job and paycheck, to stop Hard Rock from coming into West Springfield.”
This experience he hopes will translate to his work on the Town Council if elected.
Bech said several people had asked him to run.
“I think it’s because I’m a hard worker and I’m smart. There are people who expressed they want to see me be part of the Council for the sake of the Council and the town,” Bech said. “I’m interested in influencing our government to move in the right direction. It seems like a good fit. I’d like to be a part of that process if decisions being made.”
Top concerns for Bech are improving the school district and working to lower crime. He said by encouraging the council to work with the police and community organizations, West Springfield can “address the root causes of crime and work to improve that situation.”
Overall, Bech said he wants to represent the voices in his district.
“I want to work hard for the voters of District 2 to give them the best representation and a responsive representative, someone who will listen and get back to them and work hard for them,” he said.
For more information about Bech, email VoteBech@gmail.com or call 370-0288.