Mayor outlines plan for productive discussion

Date: 3/22/2013

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Gregory Neffinger outlined a four-part plan for better communication between the Town Councilors and himself, in an effort to promote teamwork and cohesiveness for the betterment of the town.

In the guidelines, the mayor proposed to meet twice a month with Town Council President Kathy Bourque, a week prior to the council meetings to discuss pertinent issues of the town.

Neffinger stated, "I will also release a twice monthly newsletter highlighting issues in town. Each issue will highlight a specific department. Department heads will report on relevant issues in their departments and on what they are doing to improve conditions for the town."

He continued, "Also, in order to clarify and improve communication between my office and the council, I will continue to be available by phone and for meetings. I will also continue to give information on requests voted on by the Town Council."

Bourque said, "We do not need a four-part plan; we need simple communication. The mayor continues to refuse to fulfill councilors' requests for information unless it is voted on by the council. That does not streamline the process; it bogs it down, making it impossible to get anything done on a timely basis. He requests a vote of the council on all information and yet will not, himself, put anything in writing — that is puzzling to me."

She continued, "I am more than happy to meet with the mayor twice a month and will work with the vice president of the council to find a day and time that we are both available to meet with the mayor. I still hope that the mayor will reconsider requiring a vote of the council for all requests so that the council can do what we have been doing for the last 12 years; working in a timely fashion for the best interests of the town."

Neffinger stated that he met with Bourque and District 4 Town Councilor John Sweeney on March 15. "My goal is to reach a compromise suitable for all," he said.