Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/25/2023
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 were printed in the Oct. 12 edition. The third and fourth questions and answers were printed Oct. 19. 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.
Infrastructure needs
What is the town’s biggest infrastructure need? How would you advocate for a solution and for funding?
Brian Clune*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Brian Griffin*: Among other needs that we have been tackling with sewer and water projects, one of the largest needs by way of infrastructure is the building of a new public safety complex. Secondly, a new state-of-the-art athletic complex is something I urge us to build. A couple of major projects are taking place through grants we were able to garnish from the state on Memorial Avenue, Piper Road and the Elm Street corridor.
Daniel O’Brien: This is an area we are getting right. I congratulate the mayor on our infrastructure commitments. The highest priority has been replacing aging water pipes. We just passed an aggressive round of bonding to cover water main replacement over large areas. … We also raised the sewer rates to allow for preventative maintenance and money for planned projects. … Paving is another priority. The residents pay a lot in taxes. The roads are something each. … (75 words).
Elisa Olivo: Maintenance of low-income projects; I’ll improve conditions and support programs for self-sufficiency.
Sean Powers*: As of now, the town’s biggest infrastructure need is a police station and a new DPW yard. Both items that the town has discussed in great detail over the past few years. To approve either project will require grants to be awarded or funds from Boston to be provided to keep down costs to local residents while making sure our town employees have the best facilities available to them.
Jaime Smith*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Unique attributes
What background, belief or skill would you bring to the Town Council that nobody else in this race does?
Brian Clune*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Brian Griffin*: Experience is a key facet of my background. I have been through 15 budget cycles and the town is in a great position financially. Making sure we keep 10% of our operational budget in a stabilization reserve takes precedence, along with funding our debt stabilization account each cycle to ensure taxes don’t rise dramatically. My proven track record of support for public safety, schools, infrastructure and athletics will be something which people can count on!
Daniel O’Brien: Everything good in my life has come from this town. I grew up here, was employed here, raised my family here and love being a part of this community. The fact that I get to help people navigate the sometimes complicated pathways of town government is enormously satisfying. My campaign slogan has always been “Your neighbor not a politician.”
Elisa Olivo: As a single mother of an autistic child, I have faced various barriers and challenges that have given me a unique understanding of our community’s needs. I can empathize with the struggles faced by immigrants, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. This personal experience drives my determination to make a positive difference and ensure that every member of our community is heard and represented.
Sean Powers*: My practice focuses on real estate (both residential and commercial), business formation and continuation, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and zoning law. The experience I gain from my private practice, coupled with the experience I have from being a town attorney for a few years, allows me to approach each issue from a business owner’s standpoint, a legal standpoint, and a resident’s.
Jaime Smith*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.