Matthews withdrew his motion to reconsider the issue at this week's Town Council meeting.
West Springfield Town Councilor Gerard Matthews, an announced he candidate for mayor, favors lengthening the mayor's term from two to four years, but withdrew a motion to reconsider the issue at this week's Town Council meeting.WEST SPRINGFIELD – Town Councilor Gerard B. Matthews spoke out strongly in favor of lengthening the mayor’s term of office from two to four years Tuesday, but ultimately withdrew his motion to reconsider the issue.
Matthews said following Tuesday’s Town Council meeting that the absence of Town Councilor Robert M. Mancini meant that the measure would again fail to gather the simple majority it needs.
The council on April 4 voted 4-4 to petition the legislature to put the measure before voters in November’s election. After that vote, Matthews requested the issue come before the council again when Town Councilor Lida M. Powell would be present to provide an affirmative vote.
Voting in favor of the measure April 4 were Matthews, council President Kathleen A. Bourque and Mancini and John R. Sweeney. Voting against were George R. Kelly, Brian J. Griffin, Angus M. Rushlow and Michael J. Finn.
Matthews, who is running for mayor, defended the proposal from criticism from Irene R. Schuh of Kings Highway, who called the plan an end run around forming a charter commission.
Matthews pointed out that the issue would be put before the city’s voters, who would make the final decision.
“I don’t think there could be anything more democratic than letting the voters decide,” Matthews said.
He said the state’s constitution allows for such a change to be made through special legislation.
Among the proponents of the proposal is Mayor Edward J. Gibson, who has decided not to seek re-election. He has said it would take some of the politics out of being mayor because that official would not have to spend so much time running for re-election. Opponents argue that there is nothing wrong with the current system.