Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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 5 race features a contest between incumbent Lavar Click-Bruce and challenger Edward Nuñez.
A councilor since 2023, Click-Bruce was once an aide to Mayor Domenic Sarno and currently serves as the varsity basketball coach for Duggan Academy. Nuñez, meanwhile, is a 16 Acres resident that has 20 years in banking and business lending experience.
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?
Click-Bruce: My top priority is improving the quality of life for all residents across Springfield. That means investing in public safety, making sure our kids and families feel secure in their neighborhoods and parks, and pushing for cleaner, safer streets. I also want to strengthen opportunities for our youth — whether through sports, education, or job readiness programs — because when we pour into our young people, we’re investing in the future of our city. In addition, I believe in supporting small businesses and making Springfield a place where families not only live but thrive.
Nuñez: The number one job of a city councilor is making life better for residents. Springfield still has the highest crime rate in Massachusetts. Twenty six percent of the population live at or below poverty. Advocating for the creation of a pipeline between the trade unions for residents to obtain skill sets that will allow them to earn livable wages will help reduce crime. In addition, rents, property taxes and the cost of living are skyrocketing. We must find a way to lower property taxes for our seniors and veterans, as well as negotiate better terms with companies like Eversource and Xfinity, who provide exclusive services to our residents.
RP: Are there issues specific to Ward 5 you’d like to tackle? If so, which ones?
Click-Bruce: Yes, Ward 5 has unique challenges that I hear about from residents every day. One is making sure our parks and playgrounds are safe and well-maintained, especially since so many families and young people use them. Another issue is addressing concerns around housing and making sure long-term residents aren’t pushed out of the neighborhoods they’ve built their lives in. Finally, traffic safety and infrastructure are big concerns in Ward 5 — we need to make sure our roads, sidewalks, and lighting meet the needs of the community.
Nuñez: Throughout the last several months, I’ve gone on a listening session in Ward 5, speaking with many residents, and I’ve learned quite a bit. Having lived in Ward 5 for over 20 years, I thought I was abreast of the issues in our ward. We have a major issue with speeding, not just on the main streets, but on the side streets as well. I will advocate for the implementation of four-way, blinking stop signs on our side streets. This will not eliminate the issue, but it’s a start. I will also advocate for cracking down on landlords who are illegally using their homes as boarding homes.
RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?
Click-Bruce: The campaign has been going really well. What excites me most is the conversations I’ve been able to have with people across the ward. Residents are passionate, they want their voices heard, and they’ve been clear about the issues that matter to them. I see this campaign as more than just politics — it’s about building relationships and working together to move Springfield forward. The support and energy I’ve received so far only motivates me to keep pushing harder.
Nuñez: I think the campaign is going great — I’ve met so many wonderful people who truly care about Springfield while on the campaign trail. Whatever the outcome, I have those newly forged relationships, and that is something I will always cherish. The focus of my campaign has been to go door to door to speak to the residents in Ward 5. The role of a city councilor is to be the voice of its constituents. How can we be their voice if we are not speaking to the people? If elected, I will always be accessible. Visit electednunez.com to learn more.
