Candidates for Springfield City Council At Large introduce themselves

It’s an honor, as a lifelong resident, residing in Sixteen Acres, to introduce myself. A graduate of Central High School, UMass Amherst, and Western New England, I work as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. My work requires attention to detail, problem solving, and team building – skills that I will bring to our Council. I volunteer with multiple non-profits, including the same Boy Scout Troop where I earned my Eagle Scout rank 18 years ago.

My service to our city has prepared me to serve. As a member of a Council Young Professional Sub Committee, I worked alongside residents to encourage employers to offer first-time homebuyers incentives, and to simplify food truck permitting. I then helped establish Springfield Restaurant Week. An annual event, Restaurant Week encourages dining at restaurants in every city neighborhood.

I want our council to be business friendly – we need jobs. I will promote startup incentives, STEM businesses, and reducing the commercial tax rate. I’ll support investments in our students and teachers to provide them opportunities to excel. I’ll fight for clean air and water, and solar infrastructure on city buildings. Our Police and Fire Departments keep us safe – they deserve someone who will support new training and equipment, while raising the level of discourse on reforms. I want more investment in our streets, sidewalks, and intersections, to prevent accidents before they happen. I will return our council to real debate on the city budget after years of fighting. Springfield must remain a place where young families can afford to buy their first home, and retirees can afford to stay in their homes.

I ask for your vote on Nov. 2 to elect me to an At Large seat on the Springfield City Council, and to return civility to our civics. Please visit www.votelatorre.com to learn more.

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