At large candidates state their cases for Springfield City Council
This article first appeared on TheReminder.com on October 21st, 2025. Read below to see my responses to pressing issues facing the City of Springfield, and how I would address them.
SPRINGFIELD — With the general election is fast approaching, Reminder Publishing is continuing its election coverage in Springfield with another round of questionnaires.
The paper asked the same three questions to all of the at large City Council candidates featured on the Nov. 4 ballot. Due to the number of candidates, Reminder Publishing has split the coverage into two parts.
This week’s list of candidates includes incumbents Sean Curran, Jose Delgado and Kateri Walsh along with challengers Justin Hurst and Juan Latorre. In all, eight candidates are seeking one of the five at large seats on the council. Next week’s edition will feature the rest of the candidates running.
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Reminder Publishing: What are some top priorities/issues you’d like to address in Springfield?
Latorre: My greatest priority is to advocate for Springfield to remain an affordable place to live. Property taxes have soared in the past few years, and a lack of available apartments has raised rents dramatically. Additionally, utilities like Eversource, Comcast, and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission have raised rates much higher than many residents can plan for. Another major issue is quality of life in our neighborhoods. Residents who follow the rules care about speeding, blight, litter, and noise. Our city needs to do a better job of responding to these issues in a timely fashion.
RP: What’s one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Latorre: I’m no stranger to hard work. When I was in high school, I worked for the Springfield Public Libraries, the Springfield Public Schools, and Stop & Shop, so that I could save money to go to college. Today, in addition to my day job, I am on the board of the Springfield Library Foundation and Revitalize CDC, and I am the Vice President of the Sixteen Acres Civic Association. I am excited to bring my work ethic to the City Council to help our entire city.
RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?
Latorre: My message is resonating with residents as I canvass through every neighborhood. I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, and it is clear that Springfield is ready for a new voice and a new generation to lead us. My prior campaigns in 2021 and 2023 have taught me so much — I am a stronger and more effective candidate this year because of those past experiences. I’ve also been endorsed by the Realtors Association of Pioneer Valley which reflects my commitment to promoting economic development in our city. We’re excited for November 4th!