Two out of three candidates have an opinion about the courthouseDate: 7/25/2022 Last week I decided to see what the three candidates for governor think about the pressing need for a new, safe courthouse building for Hampden County. As most of us know, the Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield is simply an unsafe building.
The issue is, of course, what to do: replace it or fix it. The problem is the cost of “fixing” it is not that far off from building a new modern building.
So, I asked Geoff Diehl, Chris Doughty and Maura Healey their positions. I thought it was a simple and straightforward request.
Diehl responded first: “I support the ongoing process DCAMM [Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance] is following to evaluate best steps for the reconstruction or renovation of the Hampden County Courthouse.
“I hope that the process will be completed as soon as possible and with the best possible cost-effectiveness.
“Whether it’s ultimately a new building or a substantially renovated one, the only acceptable outcome is to have a building that is suitable for the efficient administration of justice and one that’s also a safe and healthy place to visit and work.
“Too often, infrastructure needs in Western Mass. get overlooked and that’s not fair.
“I’m committed to making sure that every region of our state gets its fair share of available resources for projects like this in addition to other worthy infrastructure needs.”
Okay, he wants to wait until next June to see what DCAMM comes up with. By the way, I have no faith that DCAMM is going to give us what we need, but that’s just me.
Doughty’s response was different: “I support replacing, not repairing, the Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield.
“For a long time, Hampden County has needed a new courthouse. As governor, I will get this long overdue project done.
“I am excited about Peter Picknelly’s plan to link construction of a new courthouse with an 11-story residential apartment building, an outdoor restaurant and a 50-slip marina on a 14.5 acre parcel on the Connecticut River waterfront north of the Memorial Bridge. As a private-sector guy, I look to turn challenges into opportunities. For me, the right decision – and the most forward-looking long-term solution – is to reach for a bold new courthouse plan that serves as a catalyst for the economic revitalization of downtown Springfield.
“As governor, I will be diligent in guaranteeing taxpayers’ dollars are not wasted while we rebuild the courthouse. I will demand the new building is environmentally sustainable and healthy – and I will bring local business leaders into a process that builds a beautiful new courthouse, revitalizes downtown Springfield and serves the people of Hampden County.”
I have to admit that sounds good to me.
Those were the responses from the two Republicans and from Healey … wait for it … nothing.
I posed the question to Healey’s campaign. They referred me to her office of Attorney General. The reason is because the AG’s office is involved in litigation involving the courthouse.
I understand the concern but I never even received a simple statement such as “We can’t comment because of the litigation.”
Granted, in many circles, people think Healey has got the governorship in the bag. She no longer has any competition within her party and many pundits think that in a match-up with either of the two Republicans she would prevail.
With elections I’ve learned that surprises can happen, so I’m not going to subscribe fully to the idea until it’s all over.
It does concern me, though, a candidate for governor can not address an issue that many voters see as important and a symbol for the way Western Massachusetts has been historically treated by our overlords in Beantown.
If I hear from Healey’s people, I’ll let you know. If I see her at an event, I’ll ask her.
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