SPRINGFIELD – City Councilor Marcus Williams is planning for changes for the council as he becomes its president.

Williams explained to Reminder Publishing that he has created a new subcommittee to address COVID-19 issues; will reaffirm the council’s concerns about quality-of-life issues by bringing back the Senior Affairs Committee; and create a committee designed to listen to youth and address issues, among other initiatives.

Councilor Jesse Lederman will chair the COVID subcommittee, while Tim Allen will head the Senior Affairs Committee and Michael Fenton will chair the youth committee.

The effects of the pandemic on the city’s businesses is also a major issued for Williams. He said the “shifting COVID guides have thrown some business owners for a loop.” He wants to make sure whatever aid is available to the city goes to struggling local businesses for relief.

Williams will also advocate for the city to license cannabis grow facilities. He explained Springfield-based cannabis businesses must go outside of the city to buy product, he said getting several cultivation facilities would increase revenue for the city as well as provide jobs. He added he has spoken to Mayor Domenic Sarno about releasing a Request for Proposals to start the process of establishing grow facilities in the city.

The future of casino gaming in the city is another issue William said the council will continue to address. The council will maintain its Casino Oversight subcommittee with Fenton as its chair.

“It’s certainly a concern of mine,” Williams said of the financial health of MGM Springfield.

He is interested in implementing changes in the council’s rules to streamline meetings. Among his suggestions are no councilor will be allowed to speak more than three times on the same question, or more than once until others have an opportunity to speak on the issue; no councilor shall speak for more than two minutes each time.

The following are the remarks he made at his swearing-in:

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

“First, I would like to thank Focus Springfield for all their hard work in allowing this organizational meeting to be broadcasted today. I am also truly grateful to those who are participating in today’s ceremony. While I would have loved to be in the same physical location as my colleagues, friends and family, I remain optimistic that better days are coming.

“The year of our Lord 2021 is among us and I pray that it brings you peace, good health and prosperity.

“The residents of this city have shown up for each other, especially this holiday season, while a pandemic is actively surging in this country.

“Our health care workers and first responders have stepped up to the plate and put their own lives on the line to protect public health. We owe a great deal of gratitude to you for the job you are doing, and I ask that you please pause and realize how much of a blessing you are to all of us.

“Our business community has taken blow after blow from shifting COVID-19 guidelines and had to get creative to survive.

"Our students and teachers have had to adjust to learning and teaching remotely and are doing so, with an open mind during these challenging times.

“While these are the stories that give us hope in humanity, I would be remised if I also did not highlight the immense loss of life residents have been affected by this past year. I offer you prayers of consolation and comfort as you mourn those who have passed and would ask that you do the same for my family.

“I would not be here to welcome this new responsibility as president of the City Council without parents who made the necessary sacrifices so that I could pursue my own ambitions – both politically and beyond. Mom, as you often tell me, you held me in one arm and your nursing book in another as you studied to become a licensed RN. You were setting the example from that point and it has been your love and guidance that has made me into the man I am today. Dad, you have been through hell and back in 2020 but always kept your faith. As you heal from major surgery, please know that your support and shared wisdom are also the reasons I feel capable.

 “While you could not be here today, you’ve shown me that when life knocks you down, just keep going.

“To my family at large, including State Representative Bud Williams, I appreciate you seeing in me what at times I did not see in myself. I’ve learned that it certainly takes a village to raise a child and the support system I have been blessed with is something I will never take for granted.

“A part of that village has certainly been my own educators and mentors. I will always proclaim to be a proud product of Springfield Public School system, from Balliet Elementary to Chestnut Accelerated Middle School to the High School of Commerce, I have met educators who inspired me. It was that foundation that made it possible for me to be accepted and graduate from Boston College. Service to my community compelled me to return to the city I love to try and make a difference. Writing local, state and federal grants for my community, instilled in me a deeper sense of purpose. Today, I serve as the Donor Services Manager for the Proteus Fund.

“To my Proteus Fund colleagues, thank you for the role you each play in advancing democracy, human rights and peace.

“While it may take a village to raise a child, it also took one to launch my career in public service. For the past five years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as the City Councilor for Ward 5.

“That village consists of special individuals to me, including former City Councilwoman Barbara and husband Joe Garde, Ruth Moorhouse, Minnie Galloway, my campaign team and so many others who took the time to canvass, stand out with signs and sit me down to offer words of encouragement. You also believed in me. You were not “yes people” but individuals who also offered real talk in real time, regardless of political affiliation, understanding that we all had a love for our city.

“That commitment is what brings me to this special moment today. To our outgoing City Council President Justin Hurst, you should be commended for guiding this body through unchartered waters. I am sure none of us believed we would be conducting council meetings on Zoom for the greater portion of 2020, but here we are. Your leadership during such a challenging time was exemplary. Thank you for your service to this council and this city.

“My first action as president is to establish a COVID-19 Response special committee. The city must continue to be proactive in responding to our citizen’s needs. Public health and safety must be our top priority. I am appointing Councilor Jesse Lederman to lead this effort. This committee will address issues, exacerbated by the pandemic, such as housing instability and food insecurity and how the city is responding to these challenges. It will also provide a public forum for residents to provide input and feedback. Now more than ever, we must come together as a city.

“Those elected in Springfield were done so to put people before politics. Remembering that first, I am pleased to announce that I have spoken to the mayor and he has graciously agreed to a regularly scheduled meeting where we can discuss any current or pending city issues. There will surely be times when we disagree, but we should never be disagreeable. One thing we all share is a common vision in wanting to see Springfield progress with each passing day. Our diversity is our strength and what makes Springfield a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“In the words of the late American businessman, Max De Pree, “the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” Public service is a privilege and to my colleagues, your unanimous support for my presidency is very humbling. I admire and appreciate your contributions to the city we all love.

“The people’s business is before us, now let us get to work.”

“Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless the City of Springfield.”