Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/7/2022
SPRINGFIELD – City Council President and Ward 5 representative Marcus Williams announced his formal resignation from the council during a May 31 press conference.
Reflections
Williams served four terms on the City Council after being elected in 2015. His victory over incumbent Clodo Conception earned Williams the distinction of becoming the youngest person of color elected to the council. During his term, Williams served as the council’s vice president for two years before becoming president in 2021.
During the press conference, Williams discussed his decision and the next steps for both him and the City Council.
“I’ve always had this thing where my sights led me to new experiences and opportunities...In this next chapter, I will be deepening my career in the philanthropic center as my career has been recently moved to a preeminently virtual environment,” said Williams.
Williams said his decision was “not an easy one by any stretch of the imagination.” Reflecting on his public service as an elected official, Williams expressed appreciation for Ward 5 residents’ support.
“I feel tremendously blessed that I met so many residents from all walks of life who all share one common thread: our love for the City of Springfield; Springfield and Ward 5 specifically, I hope I made you proud,” said Williams.
The former city councilor highlighted some of the notable achievements he spearheaded during his term, including advocating for a mobile food truck initiative, the inclusion of the city’s first Chief Diversity Officer and recently reinstating the long-dormant Police Commission.
“It showed how effective this body can be when people are put over politics. I will always believe we serve our residents the best when we approach each other with empathy and respect,” said Williams in reference to the Police Commission reinstatement.
Williams also thanked his fellow councilors, city officials and the state delegation for their continued support.
“While this may be a chapter that I am closing for now, this book is always one that will be close to me,” said Williams.
Going Forward
With his resignation, Williams said that City Council Vice President and Councilor At-Large Jesse Lederman will serve as the council’s new president. The council will also appoint someone as Williams’ replacement in the Ward 5 seat.
“I am sure councilor Lederman will ensure that it’s a transparent process for finding someone to fill my seat,” said Williams. The councilor admitted that appointing a councilor over hosting a special election process was “not the most ideal scenario,” but said that “in the absence of process, you have to create your own.”
When asked if there was a replacement in mind, Williams expressed his only expectation is for a “fair, open and transparent process.”
Williams said his decision to leave office was “months in the making.” When asked why he is leaving now versus not seeking re-election in 2021, the councilor expressed that “the timing was right” due to opportunities in his life. He also shared that it is “possible” he will move away from the Springfield area.
Moving forward, Williams aspires to embrace other philanthropic endeavors and continue his acting career. “You may see me on the big screen very soon,” said Williams.
Williams also did not rule out the potential of running again for public office, whether that is on a local or state level.
“I’ll never close that door for public service,” said Williams.
Future of Ward 5
On June 1, City Councilor At-Large Kateri Walsh issued a press release detailing her request for the council to consider a special election regarding Williams’ vacant Ward 5 seat. Walsh shared that her decision follows several calls from concerned constituents about the future of Ward 5’s representation.
If the council opts against a special election, Walsh advocated for the council to consider enforcing a public pledge from any potential appointees. The pledge would prevent the appointee from seeking re-election in the November 2023 municipal election.
Shortly after Walsh’s release, City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez issued an order for the Board of Election Commission to schedule a Special Preliminary Election for Ward 5. The Home Rule Petition was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker on May 16 after state Rep. Angelo Puppolo proposed the act in October 2021.
Puppolo’s petition details how a special election can occur if a candidate withdraws with more than 210 days of their term remaining. The special preliminary election must occur between 62 and 78 days after the order’s submission, with the special election needing to happen withing 28 days after the preliminary vote.
However, the legislation details that the preliminary special election would be subject for cancellation if “the number of candidates, certified by the election office, is less than double the number plus one of the vacant seats.”
After learning about special election approach, Lederman said the council is “relieved” by the process.
“A special election will be held to fill the vacancy in the Ward 5 City Council seat in accordance with the law. I know I speak for many councilors when I say we are relieved that the people of Ward 5 will have the opportunity to choose for themselves their representative,” said Lederman.
Lederman also said he garnered unanimous support from the City Council body to continue as president into 2023.
“I am thankful for this signal of support from my colleagues both during this time of transition and heading into 2023. Serving as a city councilor is the honor of my life, and to lead the body is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Lederman.