As the threat and infections from the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has swept the country and the commonwealth, cities and towns in the Pioneer Valley have not been immune. The 413 more broadly has already seen some cases and a few scares, including ones
UPDATED 6/13/19 1:55PM: To include comments on the plastic bag ban from Mayor Reichelt. Following its larger, liked-named neighbor across the river, West Springfield has banned single-use plastic bags at retailers. The measure passed through the Town Council last week. As with Springfield’s measure, it
Less than two years after defeating a popular state representative, West Springfield mayor William Reichelt is ready to win reelection on a walk. Ballot papers were due today and few races are contests. The mayor’s race is not among them. The incumbent is the only
UPDATED 11/9/15 5:41PM: To reflect that O’Connell did give an interview on Election night to The Reminder. Afterglow 2015 is a series analyzing the results of the 2015 municipal elections in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. HOLYOKE—Music blared, drinks flowed and hugs abounded. In the
WEST SPRINGFIELD—It was the first election Michael Finn had lost in a 13 year political career. After an upstart candidate zoomed past him in the September mayoral preliminary, Finn, a three-term state representative and former Town Council president, vowed not to go down without a
WEST SPRINGFIELD—When William Reichelt, the town attorney, placed first in the mayoral preliminary two months ago that eliminated former mayor Gregory Neffinger and left State Representative Michael Finn in second, he had turned the election narrative here on its head. Facing Finn one-on-one, however, Reichelt
UPDATED 12:36pm: To reflect a correction. A quote previously referred to “hard word.” It should have been “hard work,” obviously. WEST SPRINGFIELD—Shocking prognosticators this side of the river, newcomer William Reichelt, the town attorney, roared to first place in the mayoral preliminary here. His victory
As West Springfield’s mayoral preliminary nears the buzzer, the money chase could presage how the field will narrow to two candidates from three. Campaign finance reports filed with the Office of Campaign & Political Finance last Monday show State Representative Michael Finn and Town Attorney William
UPDATED 3:31PM: For grammar and clarity. UPDATED 8/6/15 10:31AM: For an update including details about Westside’s history, grammar and a new photograph and to reflect a correction. The venue for Gendron’s event was Backyard Bar & Grill, not Backyard BBQ. WEST SPRINGFIELD—Few expected a heated municipal
Rumors have swirled around the West Springfield mayoral race ever since one-term mayor Edward Sullivan declined reelection, but only State Representative Michael Finn has officially confirmed his campaign. A former assessor, Hans Doup, has taken out papers, but has yet to release any public statement. Now