Adams pleaded not guilty in February to larceny charges related to his former employment at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.
Bruce AdamsSPRINGFIELD – Bruce S. Adams, a former legislative aide, has announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on the City Council, saying he recognizes that Springfield is at a “crossroads,” and wants to help make it a better place.
Adams’ campaign was formally launched last week, and occurs as he fights charges that he stole money while he was employed at the Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.
Adams, 44, of 48 Briarwood Ave., in East Forest Park, pleaded innocent to criminal charges of larceny over $250 and larceny over $250 by a single scheme, at his arraignment in February, according to court records. A pre-trial conference is scheduled Aug. 30.
The theft amount is listed in the court file as $1,317.
“He denies these charges vehemently,” Adams’ lawyer, Daniel D. Kelly, said Monday. “Right now, they are merely allegations. We have every confidence that when the case is resolved, Mr. Adams will be exonerated.”
Adams, a Springfield native, worked for five years as an administrative aide and scheduler for state Sen. Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham.
Thereafter, he worked approximately four months as assistant general manager at Twin Hills, ans was terminated in October, according to general manager Atillio Cardaropoli. Cardaropoli said he filed the larceny complaint with Longmeadow police, but declined further comment Monday.
Adams is now a student at Springfield Technical Community College.
According to the allegations on file, Adams would in many cases charge food and beverages for people (including himself) to his own account and then would go into the software and change the amount of the charges so he was not billed for as much. There were also allegations he got money for food and drinks but did not deposit all the money.
Adams said there is “nothing there” to the charges.
“Nothing will ever come of it,” he said.
Regarding his decision to run for the council, Adams said, “I am in a position to help my city. I want to help my city.”
The first-time candidate is a member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, representing the first Hampden and Hampshire Senate District. He announced his candidacy at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club on Progress Avenue.
Adams said he has a history of community involvement and is a member of many organizations including: The Chicopee Moose Family Center where he is a life member and holds the pilgrim degree of merit; the Springfield Elks Lodge #61; Master Mason-The Meadows Lodge A.F. & A.M.; Noble-Melha Shriners; Melha Riders; Tiger Athletic Club; Westover Galaxy Community Council; East Forest Park Civic Association, and the Springfield Ward 7 Democratic City Committee. He is a 2011 graduate of the Springfield Citizens Police Academy.
Adams said he is ready to work on issues including:
• Finding solutions to increasing neighborhood violence, drug and gang-related activity.
• Preserving the city pension system, which is potentially facing a deficit and finding solutions to stabilize and grow it.
• Improving the quality of life for businesses and residents.
• Finding interventions and programs to motivate students to remain in school.
• Helping to find ways to increase housing values and reduce unemployment.
Staff reporter Buffy Spencer contributed to this report.