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Neffinger, former mayor, announces intent to run again

Date: 7/10/2015

WEST SPRINGFIELD – With three candidates already in the race, former mayor Gregory Neffinger has announced his own campaign bid.

State Rep. Michael Finn, Town Attorney William Reichelt and former Town Assessor Hans Doup have already announced their campaigns.

Neffinger served one term as mayor from 2011 to 2013 and was defeated by Mayor Edward Sullivan in the following election. This campaign, however, will look forward, not backward, he said.

“I’m not looking at the past; I’m looking at the future. I know there are people who disagree with me, but I feel like everything’s brand new and I’m willing to work with everybody,” Neffinger told Reminder Publications.

In the days after Sullivan announced he would not be seeking reelection, Neffinger said he received phone calls asking whether or not he was going to run.

“I feel like I still have more to contribute, so people started encouraging me to run again,” he said.

Along with continuing his stance of lowering taxes, Neffinger said he intends to work on maintaining buildings and infrastructure and continue to preserve Bear Hole reservoir. He also said he would work with Police Chief Ronald Campurciani to renovate the police station and facilities.

Neffinger said he has learned more about how to achieve these goals since his days in the mayor’s seat.

“I have a proven track record of getting things done, but I also understand the need to keep things optimistic while focusing on getting those things done,” he said. “You know, everybody wants improvements, but change is difficult. We have a lot of great people who want what’s best for West Side, and I think that by being positive you can help people’s capacity to do good.”

He said this outlook also helps people become open to new ideas.

“I think I have a better understanding of the need to be optimistic and to first reaffirm the good things that people are doing and how they can be part of these positive changes,” Neffinger said. “People need to know that you care first and then they’ll be willing to listen to new ideas.”

As well as new ideas, Neffinger said he brings a familiarity to the job. Having previously served in the capacity, he said he would waste no time getting back into the rhythm of the job.

“I know the job, I know the departments and I worked very hard when I was mayor to understand all the issues,” Neffinger said. “I’ll be able to hit the ground running from day one. It takes about a year to learn all of the intricacies of being mayor, and I learned those things. I feel like I can have a positive affect from day one.”