Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Reminder Publishing file photo
WEST SPRINGFIELD — With the Nov. 4 election almost upon us, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to the two West Springfield mayoral candidates on the ballot.
Mayor William Reichelt, a decade-long incumbent, will face off against current At Large Town Councilor and former police officer Daniel O’Brien.
If Reichelt wins, it will be his fourth term as mayor. He was last elected to four-year terms without any competition in 2017 and 2021. O’Brien, meanwhile, has served on the council since 2016.
The two candidates answered the same three questions. Their names are listed in alphabetical order.
Reminder Publishing: What are some top priorities/issues you’d like to address in your first few months as mayor?
O’Brien: 1) The chief of operations job will be eliminated. The executive assistant job will be restored. This will allow for a consistent presence in the Mayor’s Office during business hours. Phone calls will be answered and a point of contact will exist for anyone interested in speaking to the mayor concerning issues or problems. Accessibility to the mayor will be restored.
2) A complete and thorough review of all spending proposed in the 2027 fiscal budget. The emphasis will be on finding reductions that will allow for a level funded budget. No tax increases in the 2027 budget with the goal of a tax reduction in the 2028 budget.
3) A concept known as “winter averaging’’ of the water/sewer bills. The current system amounts to a hidden tax. As an example, if a certain amount of water was added to a pool, the water portion would be $80, the sewer fee attached would be $130. The water is in the pool not the sewer line. I have seen a broken sprinkler head generate a $500 bill for homeowners.
4) Open negotiations with the Big E concerning the 30-year-old agreement signed when it went from 12 days to 17 days. It has remained at 1% of revenue, and I want it raised to a minimum of 2%, if not more.
5) Begin the process of renovating Mittineague school. Bringing the building up to code after being neglected for 20 years. This will allow for a request to MSBA for upgrade and improvement money like Holyoke and Springfield are receiving. Make a clear statement that neighborhood schools will remain the model for West Springfield as proven by the citizens ballot initiative that was successfully submitted to the mayor.
6) Explore the options for a ballot initiative to return the mayor’s term to two years. This increases accountability and allows the citizens greater control over their government. The mayor runs on his action of the year before.
Reichelt: As we start the new year, my focus will be on three key priorities that build on the proven leadership we have demonstrated over the past decade. First, as we do every year, we will begin the budget process by taking a close look at cost-saving opportunities through both technology improvements and consolidation. This disciplined approach has kept West Side affordable and maintained a lower single-family tax bill compared to neighboring communities. For my first six years as Mayor, we did not increase taxation, which shows how responsible leadership delivers real savings for residents.
Second, I will continue working closely with our school administration to examine enrollment trends and future needs, ensuring that we reduce costs where possible while still investing in our students, staff, and facilities. This balance is why our schools consistently achieve at a high level compared to surrounding communities even as we manage our budget responsibly.
Finally, we will update our 2009 Master Plan with funding I have already secured through partnerships in the Legislature. This will be a collaborative process with the community that creates a shared vision for the next 25 years and reflects our priorities for growth, affordability, quality of life, and investment in the future of West Side.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
O’Brien: I have served as an elected City Councilor for 10 years. Three terms as the District 4 councilor and one at large. I have never taken a campaign donation in that time. I have not taken any in my campaign for mayor. This allows me to make decisions based on what’s best for the town, and not based on who has access and influence from large donations.
I would best be described as a fiscal conservative. I want to provide a high level of service while containing costs. The residents on fixed incomes and those raising families are under tremendous pressure with rising taxes and living expenses. These issues have to be factored into every spending decision.
Reichelt: As Mayor, I’ve dedicated nearly a decade keeping West Springfield strong, affordable, and a great place to live, work and raise a family. From the beginning, I have made it a priority to stay connected with residents by listening, learning and understanding what matters most. That is something I first demonstrated on the campaign trail 10 years ago and have continued every day since. The progress we have made, from improving our neighborhoods and supporting small businesses to investing in schools and public safety, has only been possible because I have surrounded myself with capable and committed people from our own community. Together, we have achieved meaningful results, and being recognized as the Best Town to Live In three years in a row is proof of what is possible when we work side by side to get things done.
RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?
O’Brien: I have been receiving a tremendous amount of support and positive feedback. I am thrilled for the opportunity and grateful to everyone who has offered support. I really look forward to the debates that have been scheduled, they will offer another dimension to this race. Win or lose, the honor of running is very gratifying.
Reichelt: My campaign is about building on the progress of the past 10 years and creating new plans for the next decade in partnership with the community. This election makes the choice clear.
While my opponent and I have both served for 10 years, I have consistently delivered results, been present in the community, and actively planned for the future. Unfortunately, my opponent has chosen to spend his time lobbing disparaging attacks from behind a keyboard instead of engaging with residents. He failed to show up as a councilor, and he is failing to show up now as a candidate. West Side deserves leadership that is present, accountable, and forward-looking, not someone who tears others down without offering solutions.
