SPRINGFIELD—In what may have become a pattern, the City Council here held a second regular meeting in sequential weeks. This occurred in March, too. Its May 10 meeting consisted of financial orders and leftovers from the prior week. Thus, the meeting sped along an unusual
SPRINGFIELD—Despite the novel coronavirus’ sudden economic upheaval, which has pummeled government tax revenues, the City of Springfield has prepared a budget without layoffs or cuts to services. Yet, the city’s first coronavirus fiscal year will be hard. A spending and hiring freeze dating to March
This post is the second of several profiles of Springfield at-large School Committee candidates. SPRINGFIELD—A more frequent phenomenon is the tendency of the area’s young people to depart or not return after college. Job prospects or new ties draw them away. For the Valley, it
UPDATED 11/5/17: For grammar and clarity. This post is the first of several profiles of Springfield at-large School Committee candidates. SPRINGFIELD—The battle for School Committee has, to the extent the populace is tuning in at all, been less prominent than the one for City Council.
Springfield has long suffered from a staggering small “d” democratic deficit. Turnout is hopelessly low, especially so in municipal elections. Many things, socioeconomics to name one, are responsible, but one way out is better engaging the public. The process to replace Calvin McFadden, who resigned
UPDATED: 1/16/16 1:29PM: To reflect a correction. Councilor Edwards led the Maintenance Development Committee in 2015, not Walsh, the 2016 chair. SPRINGFIELD—Opening its first meeting featuring new members with the election of a new City Clerk, the City Council began what some hope will be a
UPDATED 10:16am: For grammar. This post is the third in a series on Springfield mayoral candidates ahead of the September 8 preliminary. SPRINGFIELD—With less than two days before the polls open, Ivelisse Gonzalez appeared pragmatic about her first bid for public office. Though hopeful about her