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Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh made her formal announcement to seek the state representative seat in the Second Hampden district on Tuesday with a series of appearances throughout the district. Aboard a Peter Pan double-decker bus, Walsh and about 20 supporters drove to Monson, Hampden, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Forest Park in Springfield. At each stop, Walsh spoke to voters about what she would like to do if she is elected. The long-time city councilor will be facing Longmeadow Select Board member Brian Ashe in a Democratic primary. Another member of the Longmeadow Select Board, William Scibelli, a Republican, will face the primary winner in the final election. All the candidates seek to replace the current state representative, Mary Rogeness, who has decided not to run for re-election. Walsh explained to Reminder Publications that the point of the campaign trip was to "show the diversity of the district" and that she is willing to make their concerns known in Boston. For instance, she heard how Hampden doesn't have enough funding to pay for adequate radios for their police. In East Longmeadow, she was told about issues revolving around the library. "Everyone wants their fair share of local aid," she said. Other prominent issues include the funding of senior centers, additional public safety and Chapter 90 funding for improvements in bridges and roads. Walsh said she would open a district office to better serve the electorate. A former teacher, her candidacy has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Walsh's experience includes service on the Finance Control Board and on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status on Women. She is a broadcaster with her own program on WHYN radio, has been a member of the Elms College Board of Trustees, the president of Women Against Violence and the past treasurer of the Springfield Arts Lottery. Standing in front of the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park, Walsh said the park was a place enjoyed by residents of the entire district and she would advocate for funding for it. Considering the district has elected a Longmeadow Republican since 1991, Walsh did acknowledge her candidacy is facing "a definite challenge." Her experience, though, in working with many different groups has prepared her for representing the district, she said. | ||||||
