Mike Tuckey Senior’s Weblog

No matter who you voted for, November 4, 2008 was a historic election; but, it is now time for the victors to govern. In the city of Springfield, it is our time to look to a new historic election. In January, 2010, we will seat a “Ward representative government” for the first time in over forty years; but, is it all it appears to be? I would like to discuss that issue.

Some facts:

The present City Council has nine (9) councilors elected “at large” (in a city wide election).

The new City Council will have thriteen City Councilors. Five of those coucilors will be elected “at large” (city wide). Each Ward, eight in all, will elect their own representative to the Council. These councilors will be voted on only in their ward.

In the old council, a simple majority vote was represented by five (5) votes. The exact same number as the number of councilors to be elected at large on the new City Council.

On the new City Council, a simple majority vote will be represented by seven (7) votes, only two (2) more than the number of councilors elected at large.

Of the existing council, only three (3) were NOT there, while our city went into near financial ruin: Bruce W. Stebbins, Patrick Markey, and James J. Ferraro, III.

Let’s take a look at factors feeding into the next election.

When it comes to the city wide election, those of the incumbents, who choose to run, have a number of beneficial factors in the favor:

They have the “bully pulpit;” They will serve all of 2009, while runing for office and serving on the Council.

They have a long relationship with the local media;

They have several years experience of accessing the necessary campaign money to run a city wide election. It could cost a new candidate $20,000.00 + to be run, even unsuccessfully.

Because of the historic “at large” system and the presence of the Financial Control Board for the last five years, they have NO record to account for. This is a traditional weakness of our present “at large” system.

They have eixisitng organizations.

They have name recognition.

Thus, it is unlikely, any newcomer will run “at large.” If some newcomer chooses to do so, they better have a great deal of financing and be very well known.

Considerations”

Of the existing City Councilors, at least one (1) will probably not run. It is generally suspected; that, Jose’ Tasado will seek the office of the Mayor. That leaves only eight remaining councilors to seek “at large” seats.

I believe; at least two (2) incumbent councilors will seek the Ward seat, in the same ward. One will win. One will be off the council. That leaves only six remaining incumbents seeking the five (5) seats “at large.” If one existing councilor decides NOT to seek re-election, ALL existing councilors choosing to seek “at large” seats, are likely to be elected, with one Ward Councilor coming from the other of the incumbent group. That means, of the thirteen potential councilors, six (6), one short of the majority vote, will come from existing councilors. Additionally, by January, 2009, five (5) of the existing coucilors will all come from Ward 7, a clear majority of the existing councilors on the present council, which will serve for all of 2009. Of those five (5), it is likely, a minimum of four (4) , only three short of a majority, will serve on the new City Council.

What’s that mean? On the new City Council, incumbent counilors will have a block of six (6) votes, one short of a majority; and, a majority of that block, four (4), will come from one Ward. Begs the quesion: “How much will really change?” The answer; with voter participation, things could change a great deal. Without voter participation; they may change,,NOT AT ALL

With these factors, the Financial Control Board leaving in June, the city in only slightly better condition than it was before they came, the Council dominated by incumbents, and potentially dominated by one Ward, the November, 2009 election for City Council will be a critical election.

(Don’t beleive the “spin” regarding the “cash reserve” of the City. We have about $50 million in reserve and must pay back $50 million by 2012 to the Commonwealth. We have an addtional $20 million in an account for “future economic development” that we desperately need; but, we don’t know what will happen to that money, when the Financial Control Board leaves. If it goes back to the Commonwealth, we will reduce our debt by $20 millon and will have a reserve of $20 million; but, we will loose the “ear marked” money we desparately need to rebuild our tax base. With a 1/2 a billion dollar budget, a 5% reserve is hardly a strong economic position, especially with a shrinking economic base. )

For the election of November, 2009, the Springfield electorate should start their individual work beginning in January, 2009. Although, over time, the Ward representative system will gain more equality, working ot insure an expedited maturation must begion NOW! The productive Ward representative must be a good candidate, indeed. In your decisions; be certain, your choice for Ward representative is equaly committed to the future of your Ward and OUR CITY. The foundation of a good democracy requires; debate, deliberation, and compromise. Be certain, your choice for Ward representative is competent in all these areas. Be certain, your Ward representative is knowledgeable in the needs of your neighborhood/Ward, as well as, the needs of Springfield. Be certain, the priorities of your choice for Ward representative places the needs of your Ward and neighborhood and the city of Springfield, above their own desire to gain and consolidate political influence.

I have become aware of several people planning to run for Ward representative seats in the November, 2009. I am extremely encouraged by the high quality of people making themselves available for these seats. I have spoken with future candidates in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 7. We should all be encourage by the quality of candidate stepping forward. Find them! Work for them! Get them elected!

Finally, when choosing your candidate; please remember; We are one City, non a compilation of Wards. We are one people,not a group of differing races and ethnicities. And finally, We have one future!

One City, One People, One Future!