Mayors talk challenges at Chamber breakfast

Date: 1/10/2011

Jan. 10, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Fiscal year 2012 may be the "bottom of the barrel," according to West Springfield Mayor Edward Gibson, in terms of the challenges the economy will bring to municipalities, but Gibson, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno all said they would do their best with the resources they have.

The three mayors answered questions from moderator Anthony Cignoli of A.L. Cignoli Company at the "Business at Breakfast" January breakfast meeting of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield on Jan. 5.

The program was billed "Mayors, They're are People, too" and Cignoli, described his role as More a "Larry King than Bill O' Reilly."

Yet as personal — and lightweight — as most of the questions were, Cignoli, a well-known political and marketing consultant, obviously couldn't resist asking several heavier questions.

He asked the trio of elected officials how they have coped — and continue to address — the recession's impact on municipalities.

Gibson said, "Anyone who has run a city has been extraordinarily challenged."

He noted in West Springfield, the budget has been cut to "bare bones" and explained that 80 to 85 percent of the budget pays for salaries and benefits.

With the state trying to correct a reported $1 billion structural deficit, Gibson said his community will probably rely on its "rainy day fund" to continue services.

He acknowledged the next fiscal year might affect the city's police and fire departments.

Cohen noted that Agawam has been "lucky," as it has not had to cut services or institute layoffs. He credited outgoing State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin as "being very instrumental" in helping the town.

He noted that Agawam is fortunate in having Six Flags New England and "a wonderful tax base."

"We do the best we can like everyone does at home, Cohen said.

Sarno said his administration has "put the financial house in order in the city of Springfield."

He has brought better business practices from the private sector to city government, he added. Yet, he acknowledged the city would have to use some of its reserve funds to cope with what is expected to be cuts in state aid.

Answering a question from an audience member about collaboration between municipalities, Sarno said, "We work all together. We obviously all pitch our cities first."

Sarno noted how Cohen assisted a small business that wanted to move to the State Street corridor in Springfield.

"There's a lot behind the scenes we don't publicize," Sarno added.

Cohen noted that he and Gibson have entered into seven inter-city agreements.

"We all try to work together," Cohen said.

The friendly banter between the three men included what they like to do when they are not working for their respective communities. Gibson said when he is "not banging my head against the wall," he enjoys outdoor activities such as golf and snowshoeing.

Cohen spends a lot of time with his elderly father, but is also plays and coaches hockey and enjoys fishing.

Sarno described the job as "24/7" and said he likes to spend his off time with his family.