Mayoral candidates all business at debate

Date: 10/20/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Mayor Edward Gibson and Town Councilor Paul Boudo were all business at last week's mayoral debate at Town Hall.

Gibson appeared calm, collected and quick to respond to each question with detailed answers as one would come to expect from a nine-year incumbent. Boudo also seemed calm, cracking the occasional joke to lighten the mood. He took each question carefully, pausing for several moments before responses.

"I'm passionate about improving quality of life in West Springfield. I'm a hands on mayor," Gibson said, adding that he participates in various community service activities such as river cleanup.

He encouraged voters to review his credentials and accomplishments throughout his nine years as mayor. Gibson reminded the audience that a mayor's first term in office requires a steep learning curve.

Boudo called for a break from "the same old, same old" and emphasized a need for a multi-year strategic plan for financial stability, which includes reductions to the town's fiscal budget. He noted he would "dip into [the] stabilization [fund]" if necessary.

"We have to work to reduce spending," Boudo said, adding that West Springfield has the third highest commercial/industrial tax in the Commonwealth.

When asked what he thought was the "fundamental difference" between himself and Boudo, Gibson said, "Paul is more business friendly than I am." He added that his priority is quality of life for residents while keeping taxes low for families.

Responding to the same question, Boudo said he'd act as the "economic liaison for the community." He noted his 19 years of experience as a commercial banker and service on the Town Council and School Committee.

Both candidates agreed that the most challenging problem facing West Springfield in the next two years is the financial crisis coupled with reductions in state aid.

Gibson called for great reliance on technology such as e-mail to conduct daily business over the wide-area network; more energy-efficient vehicles; and the consolidation of departments and increasing revenue.

Boudo again called for a "strategic plan" to reduce spending. When asked how he would specifically cut the budget, he replied, "Without a list of various contracts, et cetera, it would be hard to itemize [reductions]."

During the candidate-to-candidate portion of the debate Gibson asked why Boudo had previously called for illegal School Committee involvement in the internal management of the School Department.

Boudo responded that he was unaware of "this facet" of education reform law. He added that his aim was to provide avenues for improved communication between the School Committee and the School Department.

Gibson said he was "surprised" that someone with Boudo's experience, serving nine years on the Town Council and a stint on the School Committee, wouldn't have a greater understanding of education reform.

Boudo asked Gibson about his support of land acquisition for athletic fields and rehabilitation of the new high school while also working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority on a feasibility study to gain funding for a new high school.

Gibson responded that available land is becoming scarce and he wants to ensure that athletic facilities are available for all.

"We don't have enough property to build a new school and have adequate parking and athletic fields," he said. "I'm in favor of the most cost-effective [plan] that allows [facilities] for current programs."

In his closing statement, Gibson said his top goals for another two years include road improvements; school renovations; improvements to traffic safety and the sewer system; and library expansion, all while "living within in [financial] constraints of Proposition 2 1/2."

He reminded voters of his motto: "Together, we are still making a difference."

Boudo closed the debate by reiterating his points.

"We have to focus on the future," he said. "My vision is that we look at reductions, contracts and expenditures. We've got to have a plan. Our town deserves better than the same old, same old."