The Springfield mayoral race also features the incumbent, Domenic Sarno, and City Council President Jose Tosado.
Antonette Pepe announced her candidacy for Springfield mayor at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield on Tuesday. Here she listens to her introduction.SPRINGFIELD – School Committee member Antonette E. Pepe announced her candidacy for mayor on Tuesday, saying she has a record of keeping promises and serving as a watchdog of taxpayer dollars.
“Let’s face it, Springfield is not currently being run efficiently,” Pepe said in front of a gathering of supporters at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club on Progress Avenue. “And yet, the current mayor wants four more years. If he couldn’t get it right the first two times, the third time won’t be a charm.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has stated he will seek a third term, but has not formally announced. City Council President Jose F.Tosado announced his candidacy for mayor in January.
Pepe has served on the School Committee since 2004, saying she has a record of asking the tough questions and demanding answers.
She worked as a paraprofessional for the Springfield public schools for 13 years (1991-2004) including the final 12 years as its union president.
Newly announced candidate for Springfield mayor Antonette Pepe greets Jose Tosado, who is also running for Springfield mayor, at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club.“My record shows that I always respond to the people I serve,” Pepe said. “Enough is enough. Political favors, closed door deals and all the other things that don’t serve the people’s interest in this city are over. There will be no more closed doors in City Hall with me as your mayor.”
Pepe said her chief responsibility as mayor is to make sure city streets are safe.
“We must tackle the issues of gangs, drugs, and violence,” Pepe said. “Springfield has received many grants and support. We need to analyze the use of those funds and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.”
Her accomplishments on the School Committee have included the institution of school uniforms and fighting for the families and staff of the school system, Pepe said.
“As you know, education is an issue close to my heart,” Pepe said. “My tenacity and my accomplishments are evident.”
Regarding economic development, Pepe said the city needs to stress its advantages and show that it is “open for business.”
Pepe said that Sarno’s proposal to use surplus funds and concessions from city employees to help balance the budget “is at best a quick fix.”
She called for a comprehensive budget plan, and for residents and city workers to know of all avenues pursued to balance the budget before making additional sacrifices.
The term for mayor is changing from a two-year term to a four-year term in this election, as was approved by voters in 2009. The annual salary is $95,000.
If three or more candidates are on the ballot for mayor, there would be a preliminary election on Sept. 20. The final election is Nov. 8.
Antonette Pepe's Speech Announcing Candidacy for Mayor of Springfield