HOLYOKE — With the Nov. 4 general election a little over a week away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to City Council candidates on the ballot.
This year’s Ward 1 City Council race features incumbent Jenny Rivera facing off against newcomer Victor Machado.
The Ward 3 City Council race features incumbent David Bartley, who has been a City Councilor since 2012, against challenger Anne Thalheimer.
The Ward 4 City Council race is between newcomers Richard Purcell and Peter Diaz Jr. Incumbent Kocayne S. Givner is not seeking reelection.
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.
Diaz Jr. did not respond to the questions in time for publication.
More coverage on the upcoming election will appear in the next edition.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Machado, Ward 1: I will work to make Ward 1 safer by supporting public safety programs, such as ShotSpotter. I aim to create a cleaner community through regular cleanups and stricter enforcement of sanitation regulations. I’ll hold slumlords accountable to improve housing conditions and oppose unnecessary spending and tax increases that would make Holyoke less affordable. My commitment includes enhancing local schools, promoting economic development and job creation, and ensuring that City Hall serves the residents effectively. I will focus on neighborhood safety, road, and sidewalk improvements for Ward 1.
Rivera, Ward 1: My immediate priorities are strengthening public safety, improving housing conditions, and enhancing quality of life in Ward 1. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I will continue fostering trust and collaboration with our police while ensuring transparency and accountability. I am also committed to addressing code enforcement issues and property cleanliness, making sure families live in safe, well-maintained neighborhoods. In addition, I will keep pushing forward with efforts to improve our local infrastructure, green spaces, and parks so that residents can enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment.
Bartley, Ward 3: The primary priority is and will continue to be constituent services. That will always be the case so far as I’m in this office. In terms of something specific — the plight of the 22 1/2 acres wooded parcel on the south-side of the ward that I affectionately dubbed the “Elmwood Forest” is really important and I will continue to advocate for the neighborhood and oppose the mayor’s reckless proposal. May I also add that I’m a fanatic for keeping the ward litter-free and do my personal best to help in that regard.
Thalheimer, Ward 3: In Ward 3, I intend to immediately address ongoing quality of life issues at the municipal level like street and sidewalk repair, trash pickup and snow plowing, and traffic safety as well as the preservation and conservation of green space in the ward by siting the proposed sports complex elsewhere. I also intend to reinstate regular in-person ward meetings. Larger picture, I want the city to work with HG&E on providing fiber-to-home internet services to a wider customer base, and I want City Council to enforce meeting decorum and council ethics to boost public participation and engagement.
Purcell, Ward 4: Why should you vote for Rick Purcell? He will continue his 30 years of work in activism and organizing while adding to his efforts in fighting for: speed management and bike and pedestrian safety, cleanliness and safe cleanup of our streets and alleyways, affordable housing and city housing rights office in City Hall.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Machado, Ward 1: I am a community advocate in Holyoke, originally from Santurce, Puerto Rico. I have a degree from Holyoke Community College and am a member of Phi Kappa Phi. Since 2012, I have volunteered with organizations such as the Chestnut Community Alliance and Way Finders and worked as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist at Homework House. Currently, I serve on the Resident Advisory Committee, focusing on education and neighborhood issues. Inspired by my experiences, I am running for Ward 1 Councilor to address future challenges.
Rivera, Ward 1: Voters should know that I take my role as Ward 1 Councilor very seriously, and I approach it with both dedication and heart. I believe in being hands-on, whether that means organizing community clean-ups, advocating for families, or working to resolve day-to-day neighborhood issues. I am also a strong voice for equity across our city, ensuring that every resident, especially the most vulnerable, has fair access to city services and opportunities.
Bartley, Ward 3: I think voters should know that I really enjoy the work and feel energized about the future of Holyoke. Further, I’m happy to reintroduce myself to Ward 3 voters biennially because it’s important to never be complacent. I will always use my education and experience to work for those whom I directly represent and all of Holyoke. Lastly, I am appreciative more than I can adequately describe just how thankful I am for all of the past support and confidence in my work.
Thalheimer, Ward 3: I’m an artist and educator who is deeply involved in the arts in Holyoke and a member of the Holyoke Local Cultural Council for over a decade, serving as the organization’s treasurer for most of that time. I’m a renter, work as a PCA and am a proud union member (1199 SEIU). I have a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, and I fought back with the help of the ACLU against a badly written ordinance in Holyoke in late 2018 when my opponent attempted to legislate your lawn signs and instead trampled on federally protected free speech.
Purcell, Ward 4: Holyoke Veteran of the Year 2018. 30 years of community organizing and activism including work with: volunteer for Fiesta Patronales, Neighbor 2 Neighbor Holyoke (current member), Nuestras Raices (former board member), Energia (former board member), Soldiers War Memorial Commission (current commissioner 15 years), American Legion Post 25 Holyoke (past commander 30 year member), American Legion County Commander (2007-2008 28 posts), Lower Valley Community Land Trust Springfield/Holyoke, a Wellspring cooperative (current board member).
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Machado, Ward 1: Residents of Ward 1 deserve dignity and respect from our local government. Despite four years since the last election, many still lack the support to rebuild their lives. High taxes are forcing families out of their homes, and the struggle for housing and jobs is unacceptable. I opposed the recent tax hike; our community deserves better. We must ensure that residents’ voices are heard in the City Council. Our leaders need to focus on building a better and affordable Holyoke. Together, we can create a government that reflects our values of respect and accountability. It’s time for a change and to embrace a new beginning on Nov. 4.
Rivera, Ward 1: Being a Ward Councilor is not easy, it requires skill, persistence, and compassion. I have shown through my leadership that I am ready to tackle the tough issues while shaping a better future for Holyoke. From public safety and housing to infrastructure and green space improvements, I’ve delivered real results for Ward 1. My message is simple: I am committed to continuing this work with integrity and energy. Let’s keep building on the progress we’ve made together. I humbly ask for your vote so we can continue moving Ward 1, and Holyoke as a whole, forward.
Bartley, Ward 3: Know that I’m available and that I’ll continue to send out bi-monthly emails to keep residents informed and to hear from people on their concerns. I may even return with in-person Ward 3 meetings. I held 55 of them in the first half of my career.
Thalheimer, Ward 3: People talk about how Holyoke has a hard time moving forward at the municipal level, but the way to enact change is to elect new people with fresh perspective. I’d encourage people to listen to my interview on civil politics and then listen to my opponent’s. He’s been doing business as usual for a long time, but now that regularly includes insults, profanity, and temper tantrums. I talk about preservation of green space and zoning; he insults the law department. This is no way to conduct city government, and it’s time for a change.
Purcell, Ward 4: I am running for City Council to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Holyoke. I want to actually get things accomplished. I will not waste time complaining about where I sit or who I sit next to in City Council Chambers. I will continue the work I already do in Holyoke, but will do it as elected official engaging with the other elected officials to make Holyoke the Pride of Hampden County.
