SPRINGFIELD – in one of the most hotly contested races in the city, the four candidates for the Ward 4 city council seat met to discuss issues and establish positions at a forum sponsored by the McKnight Neighborhood Council.

The four candidates include Larry Lawson, a community activist, who has run for the state representative position currently held by Bud Williams in 2014 and 2016; Lorenzo Gaines, the former director of the uAspire Springfield Promise Program who has also run for elected office in the past; Malo Brown, who is the chief of staff for state Rep. Bud Williams; and Jynai McDonald, who has also been a community activist and is the Western Massachusetts Regional Manager for Training Resources of America. This is MacDonald’s second run for a council seat.

Both Gaines and McDonald have been named as members of the “40 under 40” list of accomplished young adults by Business West magazine.

Walter Kroll of the neighborhood council moderated the forum, asking the candidates a series of questions.

Kroll asked the candidates what was the hardest decision they ever made and why its was the most difficult as the opening questions. Brown, who said he was “an activist my whole life,” said that leaving a well-paying job in corporate America to raise his daughter was his most difficult decision, while Gaines said that making the decision to stay in Springfield, especially after the near drowning experience of his son, was his most difficult decision.    

Gaines said, “When you make tough choices you have to use reason and logic.”

Lawson also said that staying in Springfield was his difficult choice. He added that activism was “ingrained in me.”

“I have no regrets. That’s life,” he added.

McDonald noted that losing her 2017 bid for a council seat and then deciding to run again was her difficult choice. She explained that with three children she could not be a bad example. “

“I could not allow myself to be defeated,” she explained.

When asked if they could pick one goal to accomplish if elected to the council, McDonald said hers would be “bringing a full service grocery story to our neighborhood.” She added, “Having a food desert is a health crisis.”

Lawson said he would want to work on a balanced budget for the city that would lower property taxes.

Brown replied, “Simple –  bring more resources to Ward 4.” He explained that his work in the Legislature would allow him to get more funding for the ward.

Gaines said that he would seek a residency requirement for city employees such as police, fire and teachers. That move, he believes, would “raise the quality of life for all residents.”

Kroll also asked each candidate what qualities they have that make them a viable candidate for the office. McDonald noted that she is a graduate of Baypath University and has experience in workforce education. She is also a community activist who is “no stranger to diversity.”

Brown said, “Basically my job for a living is politics.” He added, “None of my colleagues [the other candidates] could answer the phone at noon as they have jobs.”

Gaines called himself a “fearless advocate” who has been born and raised in Springfield. he added, ‘I know the issues and I’m willing to fight very hard for you.”    

When asked about supporting additional resources for the Historical Commission – since much of Ward 4 is historic housing – all of the candidates expressed support for that issue.

Lawson said he supports resources to be made available to homeowners for repairs made to historical properties.

The preliminary election will be Sept. 10 with the candidates with the highest number of votes going on to the final election.