Edward Gibson is not seeking re-election; Town Councilor Gerard Matthews recently turned in enough signatures to be listed as a mayoral candidate on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Gregory C. NeffingerWEST SPRINGFIELD – Local architect Gregory C. Neffinger has taken out nomination papers to run for mayor in this fall’s municipal election, meaning there could be a contest for who becomes the city’s next chief executive officer.
Town Councilor Gerard Matthews recently turned in enough signatures to the Town Clerk’s Office to be listed as a mayoral candidate on the Nov. 8 ballot.
“I’ve had Democrats, Republicans and unenrolled (voters) all asking me to run for mayor,” the 52-year-old Neffinger said Friday.
Neffinger said he is confident he will be able to collect 100 signatures of people registered to vote in West Springfield by July 26, needed to place his name on the ballot. Neffinger said he will shortly issue a formal announcement outlining his positions.
A Republican, Neffinger ran unsuccessfully last fall against state Rep. Michael J. Finn, D-West Springfield. He has served on the Historic District Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals in addition to numerous stints on various civic boards.
Matthews, a lawyer, is in his fourth term on the council, where he has served as president and is currently chairman of the council’s Ordinance and Policy Committee. Matthews has also served on the former Board of Selectmen and was on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The incumbent, Mayor Edward J. Gibson, has decided after more than a decade in office not to seek re-election. He has cited the 24-hour nature of the mayoralty as the reason.