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Date: 1/9/2024
SPRINGFIELD — In a historic event marking his sixth term, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the City Council were sworn in at Springfield Symphony Hall on New Year’s Day.
Former Springfield Mayor and retired judge Mary E. Hurley administered Sarno’s oath. Supporters, community leaders, and state and city officials filled the Mahogany Room. The mayor was joined at the podium by his wife, Carla, and their daughters, Cassandra and Chiarina.
A lifelong Springfield resident, Sarno has been a looming figure in the city’s political scene since 2008. He attended Commerce High School, American International College and Westfield State University.
“I want to thank the people of Springfield for their continued belief and confidence in me and my abilities to lead our city,” Sarno said. “I love this job and I live it 24/7. I continue to have the drive, the passion, the energy to move our Springfield forward for the betterment of everyone.”
Sarno emphasized community service and appreciation in Springfield, reflecting on his family’s immigrant background and how it influenced his life and political career.
“Today, I put out a clarion call to my fellow elected officials, the business community, nonprofits, and our citizens. Together, we will continue to build Springfield that we’re all proud to call home,” he said.
Sarno reiterated his dedication to building on Springfield’s progress, tackling the housing crisis, and generating job opportunities. He announced $5 billion in ongoing public and private investments and highlighted a commitment to public safety, economic development, and quality-of-life issues.
“My vision for the next four years will continue to build upon the tremendous advancements, initiatives, growth, and economic renaissance we’ve experienced since I first took office 16 years ago,” Sarno said.
He spoke about Springfield’s financial stability and growth prospects, mentioning firm financial reserves and an improved bond rating attributed to solid fiscal management.
Sarno pledged a continued focus on public safety, with partnerships across various sectors to enhance crime prevention and intervention. “Public safety and our war on crime will be my number one priority,” he said.
The initiative entails collaborating with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to suppress criminal activities and promote intervention and outreach programs. He emphasized the importance of a community that works together, underlining the strength that lies in Springfield’s diversity.
Sarno pointed to the increase in the graduation rate from just over 50% to 86%, along with a substantial decrease in dropout rates.
He also highlighted the administration’s investment in Springfield’s infrastructure, specifically over $750 million allocated for building and renovating schools. The investment, he noted, was crucial for providing environments conducive to learning, fitting the needs of contemporary education.
He took pride in bringing Springfield back from the brink of bankruptcy to a position of financial strength, with a healthy reserve fund and a high bond rating.
He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where residents can access employment opportunities that utilize their talents and are compensated with a living wage.
The mayor also stressed the importance of neighborhood revitalization, ensuring that all areas of Springfield are safe and clean places to live, work and raise families. He said he wants an active downtown for commerce, government, entertainment, and the arts, contributing to a high quality of life for all residents.
Springfield has navigated numerous challenges, including natural and man-made disasters, economic uncertainties, and the coronavirus pandemic. Sarno was confident Springfield’s ability to thrive in the face of adversity is a recurring theme in his vision for the city.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield), in attendance, thanked Sarno for his service to Springfield. “The longest-serving mayor in Springfield’s history, Domenic Sarno, has shown a steadfast commitment to the community. His devotion is well documented through each crisis he has confronted,” he said.
Neal spoke of the essential role of truth in democratic governance amid the challenge of disinformation. “Democracy is noisy, but facts should remain central to our common solutions,” he added.
Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi led the procession into the hall and called the proceedings to order. Dr. Kamal Ali, Rabbi Noach Kosofsky, Bishop Talbert Swan and Pastor Eliezer Serrano offered “Prayers of Unity.”
Inauguration week was a series of community-centered events, starting with a Mass of Celebration at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Sarno’s home parish. The festivities concluded with an inaugural gala at the Marriott Springfield Downtown on Jan. 5.
The City Council was sworn in and selected president and vice president.
Newly sworn-in City Council members adjourned in the Council Chambers and selected Michael A. Fenton, president, and Melvin Edwards, vice president, for the coming term. City Clerk Oyola Lopez administered the oaths of office.
The latest edition of the City Council also includes Timothy C. Allen, Malo L. Brown, Lavar W. Click-Bruce, Sean Curran, Victor G. Davila, Jose M. Delgado, Zaida I. Govan, Brian Santaniello, Kateria Walsh and Tracye Whitfield.
Fenton addressed his council colleagues, emphasizing a commitment to collective action and acknowledging the diversity within the council.
In his remarks, Fenton stressed the importance of his role and the responsibilities that come with it. “I will do everything I can to advance our interests collectively as a body,” he said.
Fenton highlighted the council’s diversity as a key strength. “Springfield’s diversity is absolutely its greatest strength,” Fenton said, noting the City Council includes members from various backgrounds in the public and private sectors.
He acknowledged the historical significance of the council’s meeting place, a chamber that has seen over a century of legislative activity. “For over 100 years, this building and this room have been where legislative business for this great city of Springfield has taken place,” Fenton said.
Fenton officially opened the 2024 legislative session, expressing readiness to lead the council.
“I could not be prouder to be leading you this next session for 2024,” he stated.