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Date: 10/11/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — In advance of the town election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Each of the six candidates for the five available at-large seats on the Town Council was mailed the same list of six questions, to be answered in 75 words or fewer. Responses that exceeded the limit were edited to fit.
The first two questions and answers are being printed this week. The third and fourth questions and answers will be printed in the Oct. 19 newspaper, and the fifth and sixth questions and answers in the Oct. 26 edition. Questions and answers for West Springfield School Committee candidates will also be printed on those dates. There are no contested races for district councilor on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Incumbent at-large councilors are marked with an asterisk (*); Daniel O’Brien currently serves as a district councilor.
Tax rates
Are residential and commercial property taxpayers treated fairly in town? What split factor would you advocate next year?
Brian Clune*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Brian Griffin*: Best to start with the actual tax rates set for 2023 for residential at $15.54 and commercial $30.58 per thousand, which is a shift factor of 1.5350. Last year the prices of single-family homes went up 11.14% and continue to rise, while commercial have gone up slowly. This council will need to take this into consideration in the vote in November 2023, which is the next tax rate to be set.
Daniel O’Brien: … We establish what will be spent in the spring and then set the taxes in the fall. … The shift is a board game we play. … We evaluated property during the highest real estate run-up in 40 years and then take credit for lowering the tax rate. The only way to control the budget is with a firm statement in January that budgets must come in with 5% reductions and level funding, not level services. … (75 words).
Elisa Olivo: I’ll advocate for fairness for property taxpayers and address high tax rates for commercial property owners.
Sean Powers*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Jaime Smith*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Traffic safety
In addition to what’s already being done, what should the Town Council do to control driver speed on residential roads and promote pedestrian safety?
Brian Clune*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Brian Griffin*: This has become a quality-of-life issue in West Springfield. The police have written more tickets by August as they did all last year. There is a list of calming techniques to be introduced to the community via a presentation to the council in October 2023 per the request of the public and the council. Speed bumps, humps, and other raised pavement areas, service texture, visual devices, and in some instances complete street redesign are planned.
Daniel O’Brien: … My esteemed colleagues voted down a townwide 25 mph speed limit. I have been a member of the Traffic Safety Committee for four terms. We are currently working on a host of projects, they include raised crosswalks, narrowing of roads, traffic calming measures, increased police presence and whatever can be done. … Requested that all future crosswalks be elevated, have flashing yellow lights and spotlights that activate at dusk when the button is pushed. … (75 words).
Elisa Olivo: I’ll enhance efforts by implementing speed bumps and police kiosks for safer streets.
Sean Powers*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Jaime Smith*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.