The forums were polite and low-key, with no rebuttals allowed.
Hampden Superior Court clerk candidates Thomas M. Ashe, John P. DaCruz, Linda A. Stec DiSanti, and Laura S. Gentile at a candidate's forum Wednsday night at Central High School in Springfield.SPRINGFIELD — Seven candidates for two elective offices touted their qualifications and experience Wednesday, each explaining to a crowd of about 75 people why they – and not their opponents – deserve their sought-after post.
The back to back forums at Central High School featured Democratic candidates for the Western Massachusetts seat on the Governor’s Council and Hampden Superior Court clerk.
The Hampden County Democratic Coalition, which includes Agawam, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Springfield, and West Springfield, sponsored the forums.
Generally, both forums were polite and low key, with the format not allowing for any rebuttals.
Democratic candidates for Governor’s Council are Michael J. Albano, Gerard Roy and Kevin J. Sullivan. The winner of the primary will face the winner of the Republican primary, in which Michael Franco faces Michael F. Case.
Albano, a former Springfield mayor, said his 32 years of experience in the public sector in a variety of positions makes him the right man for the job.
He said he would file a law to make the Governor’s Council fall under the open meeting law. He said he will not confirm judges that will go backwards on issues such as affirmative action, marriage equality and a woman’s right to choose.
Roy said the quality of judges is very important, and he does not believe lawyers should be on the council. He said unlike Albano, he believes “we really can’t have activists” as judges, whether it is in one direction of another.
Sullivan said he is the only lawyer in the race and “that is the key to why I am the best candidate.”
He said he intends on “bringing some sanity back to the process” of how the Governor’s Council operates.
Thomas M. Ashe, John P. DaCruz, Linda A. Stec DiSanti, and Laura S. Gentile are trying to capture the Democratic primary for clerk of courts. There are no announced Republican candidates.
Ashe, a Springfield city councilor, said he can improve the efficiency of the office and save money.
DaCruz said he is a lawyer with an extensive background in civil and criminal law.
“You have to know how the court system works to make it better,” he said.
DiSanti, legal administrator and office manager at DiSanti Law Offices in West Springfield, said, “Let me be clear, the clerk of courts is a business management position.”
Gentile said because of her nearly 16 years as assistant Hampden Superior Court clerk, because she is a lawyer and because she has a masters degree in administration the voter would be assured the clerk had all qualifications.
“I know the job inside and out,” she said.
Ashe called for more technology, saying his talks with current Hampden Superior Court Clerk Brian Lees and other clerks show when the courts “bog down,” it’s because of lack of technology.
Gentile said the office is too important “to allow name recognition or popularity to play a role.”
DiSanti, who is not a lawyer, said she is not someone who has made a career out of seeking public office.
She said Lees is not a lawyer, and she listed other Superior Court clerks in the state who are not lawyers.
DaCruz said he is the only candidate with real world experience and a thorough knowledge of the law.
Ashe said the diversity in his qualifications and experience “sets me apart from the field.”