Voters in East Longmeadow will go to the polls on June 4 to elect three residents to Town Council and two to School Committee.    I am running for Town Council, along with incumbent Council President Kathleen Hill and former Planning Board Chair Ralph Page.  I had not planned to run for the office until recently, but I’ve been encouraged to run by friends and neighbors, and I am willing, able and available to do the work of representing all citizens’ interests on the Council.

I’ve lived in town since 1978 and worked for MassMutual in finance and contracts for 30 years.  I was an East Longmeadow Jaycee for 10 years, and then a charter member and twice president of the Exchange Club of Suburban Springfield for 35 years.  I currently volunteer every week at two inner-city food pantries.  I have served the Town as a voter registrar for the last 6 years, and have resigned to run for the Council.  I am currently a member-at-large on the by-law review subcommittee of the Council.

I am a strong supporter of the new form of government, although I believe it’s not perfect and certain issues need to be addressed.  I have personally attended over half of the Council meetings over the last two years, so I am very familiar with all the councilors – all of whom I respect – and the Council’s operation.  I hope to work with the other councilors to streamline Council processes, and improve the interface with the Town Manager’s office, to provide quality service and responsiveness to residents.

I respectfully ask for your vote on June 4, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent you on the Council.

R. Patrick Henry, Jr.
East Longmeadow