Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Reminder Publishing is continuing its election coverage with part two of its questionnaires with the candidates running for West Springfield at large Town Council.
This week’s list of candidates, newcomers Brett Belchin, Elisa Olivo-Robles and David Sypek, are all seeking one of the five at large seats available on Nov. 4, according to the town’s elections office.
The paper asked the same three questions to all seven of the at large Town Council candidates featured on the Nov. 4 ballot. Only James T. Welch had not responded to Reminder Publishing’s inquiries as of press time.
The candidates are listed below in alphabetical order, and readers can visit previous Reminder Publishing coverage to see how the other three candidates answered the questions provided to them.
Reminder Publishing: What are some top priorities/issues you’d like to address on the West Springfield Council?
Berchin: My top priority is improving how the city responds to residents and businesses. Too often, small issues — like a pothole or tree removal — get ignored. I’ll be the guy who makes sure those things get done. I also want to help find a path to renovate and preserve our neighborhood elementary schools — something West Siders care deeply about.
Finally, I want the council to be more proactive and accountable. Any project or idea should start with input from the people affected. I’ll be out there with my clipboard, listening first and bringing those voices back to the council.
Olivo-Robles: My top priorities are strengthening community safety, supporting small businesses, and ensuring responsible town budgeting. I want to advocate for expanded support for special education and keep taxes fair and sustainable for families and seniors. Listening to the community and making sure every voice is heard will always guide my work.
Sypek: My biggest issue is I’m against centralized schools. I believe in the neighborhood schools. And I don’t like the way the School Committee and the mayor are kind of leaning that way.
My second biggest thing is, since I worked for the town for 40 years, we’re getting away from municipality and we’re getting more corporate. And we shouldn’t be doing that. When you’re an elected official, all the mayors around our area are making anywhere from, let’s say $89,000 to $110,000. Our mayor is going to be making $160,000. That’s ridiculous.
I want to be the type of politician that’s not in anybody’s pocket. I want to be the politician that’s going to be for the people, because it seems like a lot of the way the town’s been going in the last 10 years is people don’t have a voice anymore.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Berchin: My experience and skill set are perfectly suited for the council. I own and operate a woodworking business, served over 20 years as a Deacon in my church, taught in both public and private schools, and worked two decades on grassroots community efforts. I’m a practical, hardworking, common-sense guy with a servant’s heart and I don’t quit. I want to see every resident and business in West Springfield thrive, because I’m one of them!
Olivo-Robles: I have a strong record of community involvement and services. I currently serve on local boards and committees and I’ve built relationships across West Springfield by working with residents and organizations. I’m approachable, hardworking, and committed to making the government more transparent and responsive.
Sypek: I worked for the town for 40 years. My brother and my father were captains of the police department, and my brother was an acting chief. I’ve been involved in park and rec, coaching softball for 10 years. I’ve been involved with the senior center. That’s my job for 28 years.
I liked the way the town was running back then. I don’t like the way that the town is running now. I think we need to get back to basics a little bit more.
Councilors are supposed to be the voice of the people, and that’s what I want to be. I want their voices to be heard.
RP: In your eyes, how has the campaign been going?
Berchin: It’s been both rewarding and challenging. Talking with residents has been the highlight- hearing about everything from raised sidewalks to noisy trucks shaking their homes. People love this town and want to see it thrive. Their optimism about seeing some new energy to the council has been inspiring. The hard part has been juggling my business, a new venture here in West Side, and the campaign — but it’s worth it. If elected, I’ll make the adjustments needed to serve with focus, energy, and dedication.
Olivo-Robles: The campaign has been energizing. I’ve met so many neighbors who care deeply about the future of West Springfield. Their support and feedback have been motivating, and I’m grateful for the conversations I’ve had at doors, community events and local business. It’s clear people want fresh ideas and strong advocates on the council.
Sypek: I think the campaign’s been going good. I’ve been doing a lot of videos on certain things, and I’m really pushing real hard on the neighborhood schools. If I’m going to run a campaign, I’m going to run it my way. I’m going to speak the truth.
The campaign has been fun, it’s been educational.
Editor’s note: David Sypek did not submit a photo for publication.
