A new era in Springfield government begins

Date: 1/14/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



SPRINGFIELD On Jan. 9, Gov. Deval Patrick said three words, which sparked animated applause and tremendous sighs of relief among those present at his signing of what he called the "Springfield Bill."

"OK, it's law," he said as he put down the pen.

Patrick, accompanied by the city's legislative delegation, signed the the bill at the state offices on Dwight Street.

The bill grants the city an extension on its $52 million state loan repayment schedule by 10 years, establishes a chief administrative and financial officer (CAFO), a new city comptroller and director of internal audit, a new consolidated Department of Community Development and the consolidation of city and school administrative and financial operations under the CAFO, the dissolvement of the FCB on June 30 and greater monitoring of finances by the Department of Revenue.

"We need to get Springfield back on her feet, permanently," Patrick said. "She is a jewel in the Commonwealth's crown."

He added that his administration is committed to ensuring Springfield's economic renewal.

"Springfield has gone from millions in debt to millions in reserves," Patrick said. "Our commitment to partner with the city of Springfield is unwavering."

When the loan was granted to the city in 2004, Springfield had a free cash deficit of $41 million and a junk bond rating. The loan also required the establishment of a Finance Control Board (FCB) to oversee the city's finances therefore ensuring the timely repayment of the loan.

"This bill was a white-knuckler," State Sen. Gale Candaras, said. "This is the most important bill since the establishment of the FCB. It meant we were no longer capable of fiscal governance. [This bill] will provide the city with a lifeline.The work is far from over as the city makes the transition to self-governance and ward representation."

The bill, submitted by the governor's office, had been delayed by amendments added by State Reps. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Benjamin Swan. Swan's amendment had been rejected, but two of Coakley-Rivera's additions stayed with the final version. The amendments established a residency requirement for some city employees and eliminated the city's trash fee by 2011.

State Sen. Stephen Buoniconti said a "collective will" on behalf of the ensured economic redevelopment of the city is what allowed this bill to pass successfully through the Legislature by the end of the session.

"This legislation will set the tone for the future of the city of Springfield," State Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. said.