HOLYOKE — With the Nov. 4 general election only a few weeks away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to City Council and School Committee candidates on the ballot.
This year’s City Council at-large race features nine candidates vying for six spots.
Incumbents Patricia Devine, Howard Greaney, Kevin Jourdain, Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Israel Rivera and Michael Sullivan will look to secure a seat against challengers Jennifer Keitt, Mimi Panitch and Christopher Dunay.
Reminder Publishing asked each candidate the same three questions so readers can get a taste of who they are and what they hope to accomplish if elected. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
This week, the article will feature the incumbents’ responses. Greaney and Sullivan were contacted, but did not respond by press time.
More coverage on the upcoming Chicopee and Holyoke election will appear in future editions.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Devine: As current chair of the Finance Committee, I hope to get appointed again. It’s important that we keep our finance schedule current as we have many important items such as accepting grants that are necessary for many of the city’s departments. Other items are to call in department heads as necessary to approve their grant requests which are usually time sensitive.
Jourdain: Number one will be to ensure we have a balanced budget and working to make sure the city stops raising taxes and fees on residents. I will also be working on continuing to improve our infrastructure and maintenance including new roads, road repair, sidewalks, downtown cleanup and taking down dangerous trees as needed. I will also be supporting Holyoke Police on new initiatives to enhance public safety. I will also be continuing my government reform agenda of modernizing financial controls, appointing a new treasurer and enhancing our ethics rules so government is on the side of residents.
Murphy-Romboletti: We absolutely have to pass the Municipal Finance Modernization Act. This legislation incorporates key recommendations from DLS to strengthen oversight, and it unfortunately has stalled before the council. We have to ensure that Holyoke is fully prepared for the transition to an appointed Treasurer/Tax Collector. We have to make these changes to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and accountability in City Hall. As City Council President, I am committed to making government work better for people: streamlining processes, modernizing how the city operates, and ensuring staff and elected officials alike are equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
Rivera: One of my first priorities will be to continue moving forward with replacing the elected treasurer role as part of our effort to modernize Holyoke’s municipal finance department. The goal is to strategically restructure in a way that creates more effective and efficient operations while improving our financial forecasting. Positions such as a Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) and a combined Treasurer/Collector will allow us to merge responsibilities, reduce redundancies, and ensure that qualified professionals with the necessary expertise are leading us into the future.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Devine: Not wanting to sound egotistical, but I do my homework. I am always prepared and will answer all calls.
Jourdain: I am an independent voice and the most senior member of the City Council. I have been a councilor for nearly 30 years and was president of the council for six years. I work very hard for very little pay because I want to give back to Holyoke, my lifelong home where I grew up and raised my family. Holyoke voters deserve qualified councilors. As Holyoke’s fiscal watchdog, I am a very effective councilor and understand municipal finance. I am an attorney and finance professional. I hold a BA in Political Science & Economics, Master of business administration and a Juris Doctor degree.
Murphy-Romboletti: I am one of the only members of the City Council who has worked inside City Hall, and that experience gives me a unique understanding of the challenges facing city staff and residents. It has shaped my approach to leadership — I listen carefully, take the time to understand all sides of an issue, and believe compromise is often how real progress gets made. Transparency and responsiveness are cornerstones of my work on the council. I want residents to feel heard, respected and included in the decision-making process. Collaboration, not division, is how Holyoke will continue moving forward.
Rivera: I am a husband, son, brother, father, and friend who was born and raised here in Holyoke. I have spent many years working with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, and I have coached youth basketball and baseball in partnership with the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative. My wife, Jenny Rivera (not the Ward 1 City Councilor), serves as an adjustment counselor at Donahue School. My daughter Mikayla will be graduating from Mount Holyoke College in the spring of 2026, while my two youngest children attend Kelly Elementary School and Blessed Sacrament. I am proud to be a Holyoker and deeply grateful for the teachers, coaches, and Boys and Girls Club staff who helped shape my journey. It is their investment in me that inspires my continued commitment to serving and giving back to the people of this city.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Devine: My message to the voters is to get to know the candidates. Get to know the issues. Register to vote if necessary and by all means VOTE. Only their vote can make a difference. There are so many ways to vote; actually go to the polls; ask for a mail-in ballot; certainly watch Holyoke Media to see our meetings and subcommittees.
Jourdain: Common sense is my message. Keep Holyoke affordable for our seniors and working families. Stop raising taxes and fees so high and manage the city budget. Make Holyoke a safe and clean city. I fought to repave High Street and put Shot Spotter in to catch criminals and protect residents. It is why I am strongly endorsed by our Holyoke police officers. I stop bad ideas like trying to slip the Mayor and Council a 30-40% pay raise and make sure important projects like the new Peck Middle School are built on budget and without a tax increase. I get the job done.
Murphy-Romboletti: My message is simple: participate and make your voice heard! I’m literally begging you. Local government is strongest when more residents are engaged. Make a plan to vote, whether through early voting or on Election Day. Reach out to candidates, ask questions, and share your perspective. Join us at City Council meetings or public comment, where your input helps shape the future of our community. If you can’t be there, our meetings are all recorded and available through the city’s website. Hold us accountable and get involved to be a part of the solution instead of watching from the sidelines.
Rivera: Let’s come together and work toward building a stronger Holyoke for the future. My ultimate goal is to leave this city better than the one I inherited. Holyoke is a resilient community full of hardworking, prideful, and resourceful people, and I believe that together we can ensure our city remains strong, vibrant, and forward-looking.
