Town Council gains fresh faces, perspective

Date: 1/13/2010

Jan. 13, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- The first Town Council meeting of the newest legislative body on Jan. 4 saw the swearing in of both fresh and familiar faces and ended with two new men at the helm.

The 2010-2012 Town Council includes returning Councilors at-large Kathleen Bourque, Robert Mancini and Gerard Matthews, returning Ward Councilors Michael Finn, Angus Rushlow and John Sweeney, and newly elected Councilors at-large George Kelly, Brian Griffin and first-term Ward 2 Councilor Lida Marie Powell.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Finn as president and Sweeney as vice president for this calendar year.

"I want to thank [State] Rep. Jim Welch and [State] Sen. Stephen Buoniconti because they prompted me to run [for Town Council originally] and this is where this journey has left me," Finn said. "I'm honored [to be president] and apprehensive because I have some big shoes to fill [in Matthews' wake]."

Sweeney told those in attendance he's happy to be vice president and to increase his role as the "peacekeeper" between councilors.

"It's all about communication," he added.

Sweeney told Reminder Publications he was reluctant to accept the position because of the increased workload and the responsibilities of being a new parent but ultimately accepted, per Finn's request.

"Mike really wanted this and wanted someone he could work well with [as the vice president]," Sweeney said.

When asked what he brings to the table as president, Finn replied, "Steady leadership. I want to make sure to keep the Town Council working together."

Finn and Sweeney agreed the most pressing challenge for the new council will be the next fiscal budget.

Finn said his top priority is to maintain services and personnel even with assumed shortfalls due to impending reductions in local aid.

Sweeney noted as a previous member of the Traffic and Safety Subcommittee, congestion, spending and infrastructure repairs are still high on his list of priorities throughout the next two years.

Subcommittee assignments have yet to be determined and business was moved to the next council meeting in order to allow the new councilors to get up to speed.

The next Town Council meeting will take place on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.