Mayor Sarno previews this year's world's largest pancake breakfast in downtown Springfield this Saturday. Watch video
SPRINGFIELD - In his latest "Ask the Mayor" video interview with The Republican city hall reporter Peter Goonan and staff photographer Michael S. Gordon, Mayor Domenic Sarno says that police indicate it's been "much quieter" in areas of the city since implementation of the 1 a.m. curfew on entertainment at bars and other establishments. See 4:40 mark.
Sarno adds that Boston is exploring a similar move. See 4:25 mark.
"Ironically, my friend and colleague in Boston, Mayor Tom Menino, is now pursuing the same tact. He is having public safety issues in Boston, and he has instructed his license commission to look at a 1 a.m. shutdown pertaining to entertainment establishments," Sarno says.
Sarno is also asked by Goonan why it's important for the city to pay a consultant to help it get back all the state and federal reimbursements it's due for last June's tornado and October snowstorm.
"It's important that I make sure that we maximize getting every dime of federal dollars and state dollars, the millions and millions that are due to the residents and business community of the city of Springfield," Sarno says.
"My team goes day to day with FEMA also, but we also have to run this city... so this is a specialist..." he adds.