SPRINGFIELD – Candidates for both the City Council and School Committee submitted statements prior to the Sept. 19 preliminary election to Reminder Publications.

Incumbents were asked to remark on what they saw as their biggest accomplishments and what they saw as their top priorities if elected.

City Council

Tom Ashe, incumbent
    I am running for re-election to the City Council because I feel that Springfield is on the right track and has made significant progress in many areas that affect our lives as residents. For example, crime across the city is down 20 percent this year, a significant accomplishment. The measures that we have enacted, such as the C-3 policing model, has had tremendous success as it has engaged the public to become more active in addressing crime in their neighborhoods. In addition, we are experiencing economic development at rates we have never seen before in the City of Springfield. Over 3 billion dollars in new economic development money is being poured into our city's economic base, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening our financial core. There is currently over 44 million dollars in financial reserves in our "rainy day account" and our bond rating is at an all-time high. I have worked hand in hand with our Mayor to make certain that these successes are long term and sustainable.

I believe the ongoing war on crime is the most important issue facing cities nationally and in Springfield in particular. Every urban center in the country is facing this challenge. We must remain vigilant in our collective approach to addressing crime and utilize resources in ways that are proven to be most effective. We must make sure that are officers are provided with the necessary and appropriate training that allows them to deal with at times very difficult and dangerous situations. We must also highlight and emphasize the great work and positive impact that our public safety departments have on the city and its' residents. Public safety personnel must become more viable partners to the citizens of all of our wonderful neighborhoods so that bonds and trust can be built in order to achieve the levels of safety and security so important to thriving cities.

Justin Hurst, incumbent
    One of my biggest accomplishments during my first two terms has been my ability to speak out on the tough issues regardless of how unpopular it might be. I have and will continue to be very vocal and critical of our city departments whenever there appears to be a lack of dissemination of information to the general public. Asking the difficult questions and demanding transparency from those in positions of power will continue to be a focus in the coming term.

I have also been very vocal on the issue of residency for all city employees and will continue this fight into my next term as well. This issue is two-fold; one, we cannot allow people to violate the residency laws on the books and not hold them accountable and two, it would be irresponsible for the City Council to not fight to keep those who make large amounts of money working for the city in the city and boosting our tax base as a result. The city has made great strides when it comes to residency and I plan on working closely with the Mayor and the City Council to continue this effort.

In addition, I am proud of my work with Pat Sullivan of the parks department, as we were able to secure additional funding to keep more of our school gyms open after school hours for sports activities and enrichment programs to help provide healthy and positive alternatives for our youth.

If re-elected, I will continue to be a fighter for our neighborhoods, which serve as the bedrock to this great city. Focusing all of our efforts on revitalizing downtown solely because of MGM’s presence cannot occur at the expense of making sure our neighborhoods are safe and vibrant.

Melvin Edwards, incumbent
    In my time of service as your City Councilor, Ward 3 has witnessed much to be proud and hopeful. We have a rise in property values, a lowering of crime, and an improvement in the quality of our housing stock. Police relations are better since the expansion of C-3 Policing Tactics in the South End, and in parts of Forest Park.

Every park in our ward has seen an upgrade of facilities, or have funds designated for design and renovations. There has been a wonderful recovery of the tragic effects of the 2011 tornado, including a new Elias Brookings School, a new South End Community Center, quality built owner occupied homes, and major road and infrastructure projects.

Employment and training opportunities have expanded. City services are improving, and investments are being made throughout our ward in small business loans, façade grants and expanded availability of social services.

During my time on the council I have monitored the hiring of minorities, women, and residents for all municipal construction as chairman of the Responsible Employer Committee. I have fought for jobs for our neighbors and understand the importance of employment to the quality of life of the residents of our ward.

I have advocated for innovative, effective screening, and training of our public servants, greater accountability and efficient spending of taxpayers’ dollars. I push for the delivery of better services and for department heads to listen more closely to the concerns of our neighbors.

Our city is positioned for great things, but there is still a need for more work to be done. I promise to continue to work hard, listen, and serve your interests.  I respectfully ask the voters to give me their vote in support of my work to improve our neighborhoods’ and our city.    

School Committee

Ryan Hess
    Ryan Hess is a lifelong resident of the City of Springfield, a father to two daughters, a Corporate Lending professional in downtown Springfield, and a member of the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals.  Three key areas Hess is focused on include School Safety, Parent Engagement, and Fiscal Responsibility.  Hess said he would work hand in hand with administrators, teachers, and parents to embrace and expand upon the effective practices already in place in our schools, which ensures student safety.  Creative initiatives, like peer mediation, should be considered to make certain our students always feel safe in the classroom.

Parents play a major role in the success of any young person’s education, and Springfield Public Schools should make every effort to reach out to parents and make them feel welcome and invited to participate in their child’s education.  We should leverage technology to make the communication between parents and teachers more seamless, as well.

“In these challenging fiscal times, I believe my extensive experience in financial services positions me to make significant contributions in allocating our school funding efficiently and effectively.  The fiscal challenges of any urban school district are complex, and we have to make sure we are getting the most out of each dollar, with the sole focus being on our students.  Additionally, we should leverage the vast resources around us, including non-profits, business leaders, and colleges/universities to provide additional resource and opportunities for our students and teachers.”

Hess was recently endorsed by Mayor Domenic Sarno and State Representative Jose Tosado.

Denise Hurst, incumbent
Denise Hurst was first elected in 2009 and she is completing her second term. During her tenure on the committee, she has served as vice-chair during 2010 and 2014, and for the last 7 years has chaired the Curriculum and Programs subcommittee. Under this subcommittee, policies that supported an aligned curriculum for Pre-K-12th grade, state mandated anti-bullying regulations and parent and community engagement, were reviewed and recommended to the whole committee for approval, as well as the implementation of new and engaging literature designed to increase students’ interest in reading.

Hurst is proud of her advocacy on the statewide level regarding the modification of Chapter 70, Foundation Budget. An urban district such as Springfield relies on Chapter 70 funding and she believes the school system must be adequately funded to ensure the children of Springfield receive a quality education that will prepare them for college and the workforce.

Recently, Hurst helped to found the Minority Caucus for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and currently serves as Chairwoman. Hurst has represented the MASC at the National School Board Association Conference for the last four years and has represented her local committee as the delegate at the MASC Annual Delegate Assembly for the last seven years. Hurst believes it is important to be active with the state association because it is necessary to understand the legislation that is being passed at the state level and how it affects our educational system locally.

Hurst is committed to being a strong advocate for the parents, children, school staff and concerned citizens of Springfield. Her priorities continue to include working collaboratively with fellow School Committee colleagues, the Superintendent, parents/caretakers and community members to make certain there is academic achievement.

Hurst has a six-year-old son, Justin Jr., who attends first grade at Gerena Community School.

Hurst is a graduate of Springfield Central High School, UMass-Amherst and has a Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College.