SPRINGFIELD—The City Council wrapped up 2024 with a brief two-item agenda and its usual caucus to select the body’s officers for next year. With so little to consider there were few surprises. Free street parking for veterans achieved final passage. Council President Michael Fenton will have another year leading the body, though there will be a new Vice President.
Tragedy and the march of time itself undermined two ordinances before the City Council on Monday. Before the body was a proposal to automate electeds’ raises and another to double the time new hires have to move into the city. A majority of councilors present
As summer heats up, the Springfield City Council begins to slow down, holding fewer meetings than during the rest of the year. The body’s July 8 sitting was its only scheduled regular meeting until September. Despite the policy and finance-heavy agenda, there was little of major controversy before councilors last Monday.
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Another major staffing change has hit Springfield City Hall with the exit of City Solicitor John Payne. Mayor Domenic Sarno has chosen former legislator and onetime district attorney candidate Stephen Buoniconti to replace Payne. Given his late-career return to City Hall, Payne’s exit should not be a shock.
Updated 5:25PM:Here is the White House release on the nomination. The Boston Globe is reporting that President Barack Obama has chosen Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni to the Springfield seat of Massachusetts US District Court. The vacancy has existed since August 2011 when Judge
This post is the first in a series on the Hampden Senate District Race. Every individual who runs for office must have some ego. While Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards is no different, it is quite obvious after only a few minutes with him
Not quite five years ago, with then Council-President Kateri Walsh looking on, Judge William Boyle swore in at-large councilor James Ferrera, III as the city’s newest councilor. His effective predecessor, Angelo Puppolo, had resigned his seat in order to join the Massachusetts House of Representatives.