Like an old fire horse, when I hear the alarm, I come running. Election night for this ink-stained wretch is always a thrill and instead of sitting in City Hall watching results, I was on my phone refreshing the feed from the Elections Commission.

If you thought you knew what was going to happen in the preliminary election in Springfield you might want to admit to yourself there were some definite surprises.

It was no shock to many political pundits that Mayor Domenic Sarno came in first, but it was a surprise who came in second. City Councilor Justin Hurst showed his strength among the electorate with a sturdy second place, out-pacing City Council President Jesse Lederman and state Rep. and former council member Orlando Ramos.

There was polling that indicated that Ramos was the favored challenger to face Sarno in November. He represented a wild card here because of the support he received from businessman Cesar Ruiz who had formed a political action committee late in the race specifically aimed at supporting Hispanic candidates.

The PAC also supported Norman Roldan, former School Committee member, for his bid for an at-large council seat.

On paper, the creation of the PAC was a logical political step considering the demographics of the city with a Hispanic majority. The election of Hispanic candidates to the state Legislature as well to the City Council and School Committee shows the evolution of governance in Springfield.

The 20th century old school approach to politics in the city — the Irish versus the Italians versus the WASPs — is definitely in the past.

Ironically, the non-Hispanic candidate who received help from the PAC is the only one who made it to the final ballot. Long-time Springfield politician Brian Santaniello — who was on the City Council 23 years from 1978 to 2001 — worked for Ruiz’s successful healthcare business Golden Years Homecare.

Despite the fact he has been out of the political spotlight for years, it’s clear there are a number of voters who still recall the name and his service.

There were excellent candidates on the ballot. Seldom have I witnessed a municipal election with so much passion and talent. Looking at the mayor’s race alone, Lederman offered true dedication to the city coupled with progressive ideas. Hurst is a guy who has challenged the status quo countless times. Ramos made the jump from being City Council president to the State House.

The at-large City Council candidates also showed a depth of dedication and eagerness to serve.

This is the election for true change in many ways, but do voters truly want change? I think it’s fair to say that one takeaway of the election is only 13.6% of the city’s registered voters turned out. One could say there is considerable apathy among the city’s voters. Considering how people love to complain on social media about the city, it’s tough for me to accept that all of those who didn’t vote are actually satisfied with conditions in Springfield.

If you think about that figure, does that mean people are happy with the status quo that Sarno and the present City Council represents? I doubt it. I blame laziness.

There are only two ward council races coming up and in the at-large council race it’s probable all of the incumbent at-large councilors will make it through the final election. As far as change goes, there could be some, but it’s realistic to assume the only differences to city government will be two at-large City Council seats, two ward seats, and, of course, mayor.

I guess the issue is this: with all of the chatter about how Springfield could improve — more economic development in neighborhoods, the construction of more housing, an increase in jobs, a retention of young people, a reduction of taxes, the elimination of some fees and, the top of the list, a reduction in crime — the only way to accomplish anything is by making sure the right people are in office.

The only way to make sure talented dedicated people are in place is to vote.
I’m hoping November will be better.

G. Michael Dobbs has worked for Reminder Publishing for 22 years of his nearly 50-year-career in the Western Mass. media scene, and previously served as the executive editor. He has spent his time with the publisher covering local politics, interesting people and events. The opinions expressed within the article are that of the author’s and do not represent the opinions and beliefs of the paper.