UPDATED 1/11/13 4:56PM: For Clarity SPRINGFIELD—The Springfield City Council formally installed at-large Councilor Jimmy Ferrera for another year-long term as the body’s president before a chamber filled with department heads, supporters and family. The new term begins a year after Ferrera started his first term
UPDATED 11:51PM: For clarity, grammar and accuracy. Another year, and another raucous political era in the City of Homes. Everything from local politics at 36 Court Street to the Presidential election had their impacts upon Springfield. Petty politics reigned early on at the City Council,
Two potentially historic throw downs in the Springfield City Council chamber ended with barely a whimper Monday night. The Council selected its president for the 2013 term and approved the first step of changes to the fire commissioner’s qualifications. Both had the potential to get
Since Springfield’s fiscal crisis began a decade ago, the ebbs and flows of financial distress have rocked few departments as much as the Fire Department. A critical department, it was often given short shrift by the Control Board, and continues to enjoy less public political
UPDATED 12/5/12 2:47PM: For clarification of John Lysak’s political affiliation and grammar. Campaigns for the City Council Presidency in Springfield are quite unlike many of the city’s big political fights. While several important issues go by unnoticed at 36 Court Street, where there is a
Aside from a few special meetings and a one scheduled meeting in July and August each, the Springfield City Council took the bulk of the summer off. Certainly, one issue, casinos, kept the City Council busy as it tussled with the mayor for control of
Last night we had both surprises and the opposite of that in the same night. The surprises were by turns disappointing and interesting. As the campaign dragged on, it became increasingly clear that Congressman Richard Neal would win. The question was really what would the
The open seat for the Hampden County Clerk of Courts has generated a lot of buzz and excitement among four great and highly qualified candidates. This office is incredibly specific, although the range, breadth and power of the office is up for some debate. All
Primary day is rapidly approach and with it the effective election of several contests in Hampden County and Western Massachusetts. Some not contested by Republicans or, alternatively, face opposition not expected to win. The Hampden County Democratic Coalition, a group of Agawam, Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield
Laura Gentile is not a politician and she says as much when she makes her pitch to voters. However, unlike the vague declarations of Mitt Romney who offers vague explanations of how his business experience will translate into jobs, Gentile can explain the difference a