Springfield Ward 7 candidates talk priorities, campaign ahead of election

SPRINGFIELD — With the Nov. 4 general election only a few weeks away, Reminder Publishing is sending questionnaires to City Council candidates on the ballot.

This year’s Ward 7 race will feature a contest between longtime incumbent Tim Allen and challenger Gerry Martin.

A councilor since 2010, Allen was a teacher in Springfield Public Schools in 1975 before working for the MassMutual Center from 1977 to 2004. Martin, meanwhile, is currently a deputy clerk in the Hampden County Superior Court. He graduated from Central High School in 2019.

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.

Reminder Publishing: What are some broad priorities/issues you’d like to address in Springfield?

Allen: I would say that our fiscal issues are very important. Even though we are strong financially, uncertainty has developed in our governmental world. Government funding has been challenged in many quarters, and it is critical that we protect our financial position in the event that some governmental funding could go away. The importance of our fiscal stability cannot be overstated. We have a strong financial position, and it needs to stay that way.

A second major issue is the availability of housing for our people. Homelessness and “unhoused people” are a constant concern, and the development of new housing is continually necessary for everyone to have a shot at strong housing for their families.

Two “projects” are critical to our future. The first is the selection of a site for our new courthouse. I plan to stay connected to this process as it will have a strong connection to our economic future in the city.

The second is the biomass project. This issue has been part of our world since 2011. For 14 years, this project and its changes have been part of our world. For the health of our citizens, it is best if we can put this project to bed so the health of our citizens, particularly those with asthma or breathing issues, is not compromised any more than it already is. Everyone should be able to breathe freely, and we should protect that right.

Martin: Public safety is my top priority. We deserve to feel safe in our own community. I plan to tackle this issue, but supporting more community policing and walking patrols. Having a stronger police presence in our neighborhoods will deter crime and create strong relationships between our police officers and residents. I would also support police sub stations in neighborhoods that do not already have them.

RP: Are there issues specific to Ward 7 you’d like to tackle? If so, which ones?

Allen: The main issues are the quality-of-life issues. This includes keeping properties and buildings clean and well-kept. We have improved on the monitoring of these issues, and we need to continue that. We also need to work on traffic and speeding. These are perennial problems that are bothersome and dangerous if not improved upon.

We have a beautiful ward and believe that we should develop an appreciation for its beauty and try to encourage more involvement by neighbors in running and participating in events that can encourage local spirit. This includes highlighting our beautiful parks and improving their conditions where we can.

Martin: In Ward 7, I plan to address quality of life issues. I want to enforce our city ordinances to make sure that all our commercial and residential properties are up to code and are being good neighbors. A specific issue that is happening in Ward 7 is a housing development on Wendover Road in East Forest Park. I oppose that development and similar developments that would disrupt the character of our neighborhoods. Maintaining the quality of life we have in Ward 7 is very important to me.

RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?

Allen: The campaign is going well. There is nothing like meeting people at their door and being available for conversations with them.

Martin: The campaign has been going great! I love meeting the residents of Ward 7 and talking to people about the issues that affect all of us! The process has taught me a lot, and I am grateful to have been a part of it! I look forward to meeting new people daily as I knock on doors and hold signs.