SPRINGFIELD — Two people are vying for the 11th Hampden District seat in the House of Representatives — incumbent Rep. Bud Williams, and Johnnie McKnight. As part of Reminder Publishing’s coverage of the upcoming election, we asked candidates of contested races to participate in Q&A sessions as a service to our readers.
The House and Senate recently failed to reach accords on some major legislative priorities before the deadline, including economic development, hospital oversight and veterans services reforms and efforts to address the housing crisis — specifically affordable housing. How can the Legislature better approach high-impact items such as these to prevent these zero-hour negotiations and ensure these measures are passed?
Williams: “I am pleased to announce the Legislature and Governor passed landmark laws impacting Veterans and Affordable Housing this session. I remain hopeful that a special session will be called to complete our work on important issues facing our citizens.
“I have met with Speaker Mariano regarding changes in the legislative session in the following ways:
(1) rescind the 30-year-old rule ending sessions on July 31 during an election year; and
(2) prioritizing legislation, defined as critical at the start of the year, by a vote of the full House,
believing the Legislature should be in session on a full-time basis.”
The 11th Hampden District makes up a large portion of the heart of the city. What do you identify as the biggest concerns and/or priorities for the district’s constituents?
Williams: “My primary focus has been to bring back resources for healthcare equity, equal education funding for our children, housing, public safety, enhanced parks, and youth recreation programs.
“Working directly with Governors Baker and Healey, I have been successful in providing the financial resources for the Knox Housing development in Mason Square, funding for the $95 million Swan-Deberry School, and being out front for public safety, including the banning of assault weapons.
“In addition, I collaborated with Congressman Richard Neal in saving the Mason Square TD Bank from closing and securing funding for several of our neighborhood parks.”
Springfield is among the many communities facing a housing crisis. What would be your focus to alleviate the strain on residents seeking safe and affordable living spaces?
Williams: “I have delivered funding for the Indian Motorcycle, Knox, Mason Square Fire Station, and Brookings School buildings, and worked on the Gemini site to create affordable living units for hundreds of working families. My work in this regard has been recognized by housing advocates and I will continue to work with various nonprofits in my District to create more housing opportunities in the next session.”
Springfield has experienced some economic development wins of late but critics say the majority of the opportunity has benefited downtown and has not been evenly distributed. What opportunities that could benefit the 11th Hampden District would you like to see advanced?
Williams: “I look forward to major development projects in the District, focusing on the MCDI site; the Municipal Hospital site; the Vibra building, and, the Baystate Health Clinic at MassMutual.
“All of these economic development projects will require financial assistance from the State. I have already initiated conversations with various Secretariats regarding funding for these critical projects.”
Springfield has experienced a rash of violence, primarily gun violence, that has included the serious wounding of a police officer. In 2023, Springfield had a record 31 homicides, a rate of more than 20 per 100,000 residents, the most among New England’s largest cities. By comparison, Worcester’s rate was 2.9 per 100,000. What legislatively can be done to support efforts to keep residents, businesses, and public safety personnel in the city safe?
Williams: “I am proud of the work I did on the recently passed gun reform legislation, including the ban on ‘ghost guns’ and the redefining of assault weapons, a ban I have supported since 1994.
“I have reached out to our federal congressional delegation to provide more resources to the City from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Justice Department to combat a national trend of an increase in crime, especially with gun use.
“In addition, I will continue to advocate for more community police officers in the District from Commissioner Lawrence Akers.”
McKnight did not respond to our request by press time.
