Both Williams, a former city councilor, and Kenneth Shea, a former School Committee member, chose not to seek re-election in 2009.
Former Springfield School Committee member Kenneth Shea, left, and former Springfield City Councilor Bud Williams, right, are considering plans to run for seats on the City Council in the 2011 municipal elections.SPRINGFIELD – Perhaps 2011 is the year of the political comeback.
Approximately 20 potential candidates have taken out nomination papers thus far for mayor and City Council, including two former, long-time elected officials who gave up their seats in 2009.
Former veteran Councilor Bud L. Williams, who gave up his seat two years ago to run for mayor against Domenic J. Sarno, and lost, said he is seriously considering a run for an at-large council seat this year. He had served 16 years on the council prior to the loss for mayor.
“I feel fresh,” Williams said. “There is plenty of work to do.”
In addition, former School Committee member Kenneth E. Shea, who chose not to seek re-election in 2009 after 24 years on the committee (six terms), said he plans to run for City Council in Ward 6.
“I’ve taken some time off, and there are some issues in the city that can use my expertise,” Shea said.
The last day to take out nomination papers is July 22, and the papers must be returned by July 26, with the required number of voter signatures to qualify for the fall ballot. Council candidates must gather at least 100 signatures of voters.
Shea could face the incumbent in Ward 6, Amaad I. Rivera, who has also taken out nomination papers. Rivera has been on the council since January, when he replaced Keith Wright, who resigned in mid-term. Ward 6 primarily covers the Forest Park neighborhood.
Williams, of 155 Overlook Drive, said he has received numerous phone calls regarding if he will be a candidate for the council. He said he is “seriously considering a run” and will make a decision in the near future.
He is a retired probation officer and is chairman of the Ward 7 Democratic Committee. Sometimes, leaving office is an opportunity “to take a step back, reflect, and then come back fresher,” Williams said.
Shea said his desire to run is based in part in believing he has strong budget experience as a past School Committee member, and also in a desire to help with quality of life issues in Forest Park. Shea, a resident of 389 Trafton Road, is a local lawyer.
Those taking out papers for mayor thus far are listed as Antonette E. Pepe, Jose F. Tosado, Jeffery P. Donnelly and Michael Jones. Sarno has stated he will run again.
Others taking out papers for City Council include incumbents James J. Ferrera III, John A. Lysak, Timothy C. Allen, Melvin Edwards, E. Henry Twiggs, Clodovaldo Concepcion, and Zaida Luna. Other non-incumbents taking out papers for council thus far include Charles A. Stokes, Edward Kelly and Orlando Ramos.