The legislators gathered at Court Square as Business Improvement District workers from Springfield, Boston and Hartford cleaned up downed trees and branches.
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, center, speaks at a press conference held in Court Square, Springfield, Friday. Some of the other state representatives behind him include, from left, include Angelo Puppolo, of Springfield, Donald Humason, of Westfield, and Thomas Petrolati, of Ludlow.SPRINGFIELD – State legislators including House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo pledged Friday to assist Springfield and area communities in recovering from Wednesday’s tornadoes that wreaked havoc and devastation across the region.
DeLeo and a dozen area legislators gathered at Court Square in downtown Springfield to pledge their support as work crews from the Springfield, Downtown Boston and Hartford Business Improvement Districts cleared downed trees and branches. Boston and Hartford sent approximately 15 laborers.
“We are going to be there for the city,” DeLeo said. “My role here today is to send a message to the people of Springfield that the state is a partner.”
He and other legislators said they were impressed by the resiliency of the residents and team effort by local, state and federal agencies in responding to the devastation.
Several legislators spoke of the devastation in their districts, including homes that were destroyed and widespread power outages. The state will help in any way it can in the short-term and long-term, DeLeo said.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said progress continues as less than 5,000 households were still without power Friday morning, some buildings are being demolished, and cleanup moves forward. He also praised the “absolutely outstanding” efforts of Good Samaritans and good neighbors.
Legislators have toured their districts and joined DeLeo Friday in viewing the heavily damaged South End.
State Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, said many in her district, which includes the South End, have devastating losses. She spoke of one resident who had a boat atop his house, and “lost everything.”
Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr., D-Springfield, said the resources must continue to come to assist devastated neighborhoods.
“We have to make sure we do all we can,” Puppolo said. “We are all unitied on this.”
Rep. Brian Ashe, D-Longmeadow, said the magnitude of the devastation is “mind-boggling.”