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.
Per usual, each person is listed in alphabetical order.
Reminder Publishing: What are some top priorities/issues you’d like to address in Springfield?
Curran: Springfield’s future depends on strong neighborhoods and a thriving local economy. I am working to attract new businesses, and I am fighting for good paying jobs for our residents. We need to create an economic climate that encourages companies to see Springfield as a good place to locate. Economic development and public safety go hand in hand — when our streets are safe, Springfield will flourish. I will continue advocating for investments in the Springfield Police Department, youth programs, and neighborhood revitalization to make Springfield a vibrant community.
Delgado: As a city councilor, I’ve led the charge for high-speed fiber internet across the city to create competition and ensure every neighborhood has access to affordable and reliable internet.
I’d like to see through the implementation of the skills-based hiring ordinance I sponsored. We need to create a workforce pipeline with our public schools to provide opportunities for our students.
Lastly, public safety and housing have to be a focus. Streamlining development opportunities and mixed-use housing to alleviate the housing crunch is a must. We need to continue to have police visible in the community and support crime fighting technologies.
Hurst:
- Reduce Taxes.
- Hold Eversource accountable for skyrocketing utility costs.
- Support our Small Businesses: City contracts must go to Springfield businesses first!
- Have pride in our city: Clean our Terraces, ensure our parks are playable, repair our street lights and ensure our roads are drivable.
- Strengthen our Residency Ordinance: Municipal jobs should go to city residents.
- Fight for a New Courthouse.
- Better market the great things happening in our city.
- Invest in our Young People: Push for a Sports Complex, Increase Vocational Offerings in our High Schools, support our Community Centers, STEM Programs, and those organizations that foster the arts.
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.
Walsh: Public safety remains my top priority. While violent crime in Springfield has decreased, more must be done so that every resident feels safe in every neighborhood. Housing is also a critical challenge, and we must continue to expand access to quality, affordable options for families. I am equally committed to attracting and retaining businesses, because strong job growth not only strengthens our economy and creates opportunity, it also helps keep property taxes from rising.
RP: What’s one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Curran: I am a lifelong Springfield resident. I am a graduate of Our Lady of Hope and Cathedral High School. I am a practicing Attorney and have a very busy practice located at 1350 Main Street, in Downtown Springfield. My practice focuses on advising companies on retirement plans, as well as real estate. I was proud to represent the city in the state legislature for 10 years, and I have also worked as an assistant district attorney, prosecuting criminal defendants.
Delgado: As a leader, I have led with integrity and that every decision I make is with the residents’ best interest in mind. I also want voters to feel that they can give me suggestions, because councilors don’t have all the answers. Many solutions to our problems can come from our community.
I am a proud dad of two children and husband to an educator, and they are the reason I have continued my career as a public servant. I want to help build a better Springfield not just for my family but for every family.
Hurst: Voters should know that I will continue to be vocal on the issues impacting residents most and that I will not stop fighting for them, for their children and families, and for a better Springfield. I remain steadfast in what I have always believed; that a better Springfield for all is necessary, and together, it is still possible.
I was born and raised in the City of Springfield, graduated from the Springfield Public Schools and my wife and I, School Committee Woman Denise Hurst, are raising our two sons, Justin Jr. (14) and Jackson (9) in the city we love.
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.
Walsh: I want residents to know I always put Springfield first in every decision I make. Serving on the City Council is a privilege and an honor. I work hard to be accessible and responsive whenever someone reaches out to me. Listening to concerns, following up, and finding solutions are at the heart of my service. I am deeply committed to the people of this city and always strive to improve the quality of life for all.
RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?
Curran: It’s always fun to campaign in Springfield and meet so many of my neighbors. Springfield residents are optimistic, positive, and believe in the city. I have been proud to advocate for city residents over the last six years on the council and hope to earn their trust and vote on Tuesday November 4th.
Delgado: The campaign is going great. Looking forward to connecting with voters across the next several weeks. We need to continue to get our message out about our campaign. While it is a non-mayoral year, which usually translates to lower turnout, I want to help to boost voter turnout as it is critical for residents’ voices to be heard at the ballot.
Hurst: The campaign has been going great. As always, we have been able to engage voters by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and attending community events. It is clear from the many people that I have spoken to that they want change and are excited at the possibility of me serving on the City Council once again. I hope to earn the support of those who I have yet to meet on the campaign trail in the coming weeks.
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!
Walsh: What I value most about campaigning is the opportunity to listen to residents face-to-face. These conversations provide honest insight into the needs, ideas, and priorities of our neighborhoods. The process is both informative and energizing. I am proud of my record of service and grateful for the confidence voters have placed in me. Serving Springfield is an honor, and I hope to continue this vital work on behalf of our community.
Editor’s note: Comments from Sean Curran have been added to the online version as his comments were received after press time for the print edition.
