SPRINGFIELD — In one of the few contested local political seats in the area, the incumbent said he hasn’t finished the job and the challenger said his opponent has become “a typical career politician.”
Johnnie McKnight is running against Bud Williams for the state representative seat for the 11th Hampden District. Williams, a former Springfield City Council was first elected to the seat in 2016, starting his first term in 2016. This is McKnight’s second attempt to win a public office having run for mayor in 2017.
McKnight has recently received the endorsement of state Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), who wrote, “As the current senator for the Hampden District, I know Johnnie would make a great colleague in the Statehouse. His personal story, his belief in his hometown, and his commitment to grassroots advocacy and change makes him a strong ally in the fight for progressive policies that continue to advance our communities. I’m proud to endorse Johnnie McKnight as the next state representative of the 11th Hampden District.”
Former City Councilor and mayoral candidate Justin Hurst has also endorsed McKnight
Williams told Reminder Publishing the reason for his run for another term, “I think we have accomplished a lot, still have a lot to do in the community,”
McKnight said, “Well, I just think living in the district, I’ve seen a lot of issues that weren’t being tackled.”
The 11th Hampden includes the Bay, McKnight, Old Hill, Upper Hill, East Forest Park and Pine Point neighborhoods in the city.
Williams described himself as a “tireless voice” when it comes to the issues of public safety and housing and added those subjects are on the top of mind for his constituents. He cited among his accomplishments are restorations of parks and playgrounds in the district.
“You need a steady hand on the wheel,” he said, and added he continues to secure funding for his district.
Williams said he works closely with the other members of Western Massachusetts delegation and said the effort to achieve equity for funding is “a constant battle day in and out.”
Concerning the proposed East-West Rail expansion, Williams said Gov. Maura Healey has “put it at the top of the list of things to do.”
He added, “We continue to debate. We continue to talk [about the proposed service],” Williams said, added that it will be another 10 or 20 years before the project is finished.
Responding to the criticism the Boston Globe expressed over his chairmanship and the additional fee he receives of $20,000 of The Joint Committee on Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion, Williams said the Globe editorial staff “didn’t understand” the nature of the committee’s work.
He said the committee is charged with reviewing bills though an equity lens. “We weigh in on a lot of bills we look at,” he said. Williams his committee is “one of the very few such committees in the country.”
McKnight, who works as a fifth grade teacher, said he would, if elected, pay close attention to the needs of veterans and seniors in the district, With inflation still an issue as well as the cost of housing, McKnight said, “People are struggling to make ends meet.”
He added, “The biggest motivation has been the quality of life. There’s not been any improvement.” McKnight charged Williams has been “asleep at the wheel. He shows up for the pictures at press conferences.”
Speaking of his committee assignment, McKnight asserted the committee “has no teeth.”
He added, “Everybody wants change.” Constituents are talking about public safety and food insecurity as well. He is focusing on the needs of the elderly and veterans, including transportation and housing.
“There’s no reason we should see homeless veterans on the street,” he said.
During William’s time in the seat, McKnight charged there hasn’t been any economic development in the district.
“There’s been nothing to ease the pain of the people of the district,” he added.
