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Neffinger makes bid for mayor

Date: 8/9/2011

Aug. 10, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greg Neffinger officially began his mayoral campaign against Town Councilor Gerard Matthews with a kick off event at Q Pin2’s on Riverdale Street on Aug. 3.

Neffinger, who ran unsuccessfully for State Representative of the 6th Hampden District in the November 2010 elections, said that his experiences in that campaign better prepared him for this one.

“I think one of the best things was going door to door,” he said. “You were able to get a better feeling of what people feel about their government.”

Neffinger said that one-on-one interaction and availability to the public would continue under his administration.

“As mayor, I would have a total open door policy. I want to hear from all residents and businesses,” he said. “It’s clear people want more transparency from their government and I will offer that to them.”

A major focus of Neffinger’s campaign is the curbing of spending in order to prevent tax increases that he feels would further challenge residents dealing with tough economic times.

“I think you have to look at every department,” he said. “We have some really good department heads and I’m sure if we work together we can find ways to keep spending down.”

He also said that the Merrick section of the city would be a priority as the residents continue to clean up in the wake of the June 1 tornado.

“I want the Merrick section to know that I will be working for them and helping them solve the problems they are having right now,” he said.

He continued by saying that even before the tornado, the Merrick section provided a challenge for the city.

“It’s been a difficult situation in the Merrick section,” he said. “Many are on the edge of losing homes and businesses, which means the city is on the edge of that building being occupied or abandoned. Obviously we want to avoid having abandoned buildings.”

Neffinger added that as a small business owner himself he would be able to better understand the needs of those running their own companies, specifically those looking to expand those businesses or make better use of their space.

“I was a member of the [Zoning] Board of Appeals for 16 years and I know the difficult process these business owners have to deal with,” he said. “Those with businesses in existing buildings have to jump through hoops in order to make additions.

“Business owners are just looking for someone to listen,” he added.



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