Candidates spar at forum

From Masslive.com
Thursday, October 25, 2007
By KEN ROSSkross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - Downtown revitalization, possible sewer rate increases and recreational activities for teens were some of the many topics covered during yesterday's candidates forum.

Organized by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Holyoke Taxpayers Association, the forum allowed residents to learn more about the candidates for School Committee and City Council in the Nov. 6 election.

In the four races for individual wards on the City Council, the candidates asked each other questions.

One of the livelier exchanges took place between Ward 4 City Councilor John P. Lecca and challenger Timothy W. Purington. While campaigning, Purington said he has heard from many residents that they would like a councilor who is more responsive.

Lecca insisted he is, saying, "Please don't tell me I haven't worked hard in Ward 4. Check your sidewalk and your street. It's being done."

Ward 1 City Council candidate Jeanne Forget quizzed incumbent Donald R. Welch about why there aren't more police surveillance cameras in the ward. Welch said such cameras are coming. He then asked Forget what her biggest concerns are. She replied noise.

As for Ward 3, candidate Anthony Martin Keane asked fellow challenger Richard P. Purcell how he would pay for various proposed initiatives and projects he has advocated, including eradicating gangs, and drugs and building a whitewater park in the city. Purcell said, "All my programs are realistic." But Keane said, "I don't think the city should shoulder the cost of all these projects."

Ward 5 City Councilor John P. Brunelle quizzed challenger Linda L. Vacon about her support for lowering the tax rate for businesses. But according to Vacon, "I really think at this point we're all sharing the pain" and the city needs to come up with more creative ways to lessen the tax burden on businesses. In response, Brunelle said, "I've always voted for the lowest tax rate for homeowners."

As for the 11 candidates vying for eight, at-large seats on the City Council, two reporters and two high school students asked the candidates questions. One candidate - Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain - was absent.

When asked how the city should try to attract people to live in the city, Councilor James M. Leahy stressed the city's police and fire departments, good teachers and reasonable cost of living.

As for revitalizing vacant buildings, challenger Rebecca Lisi mentioned cities like Lowell that have promoted mixed usage of once-vacant buildings. "I believe we have a lot of valuable resources in the city."

As for others, in response to other questions, challenger Bruce F. Mitchell supports the installation of more police surveillance cameras, Councilor John E. Whelihan spoke in favor of more recreational activities for youth, challenger William J. Bevan said he supports having a casino in the city, and City Council President Joseph M. McGiverin stressed that sewer usage fees must adequately support the sewer system.

Holyoke's contestants self-supporting

From the Sunday Republican
Sunday, October 14, 2007
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - Campaign donors can sometimes wield great influence over politicians.

So who's pulling the strings behind the scenes in race for School Committee and City Council? In many cases, the largest contributor is the same person: the candidate.

Otherwise, most of the contributions rarely exceeded $100 in most of the political races.

And ironically, the candidate who raised the most money faces no opposition on the ballot on Nov. 6.

Mayor Michael J. Sullivan topped the list of fund-raisers among Holyoke politicians, as of Sept. 17, the date when candidates were required by law to file campaign finance reports. The next set of reports are due on Oct. 29.

Sullivan has so far raised $17,365 this year. Most of the contributions were received early this year, when Sullivan did not know if he would be challenged in the mayor's race. Sullivan received five, $500 donations in March and April. He also received another $500 donation in September. Sullivan said on Wednesday he continues to raise money since such funds support various charities in Holyoke.

In many cases, the $500 donations were from friends and neighbors of Sullivan, he said.

Of those facing opposition, the most successful fund-raiser this year was City Councilor Patricia C. Devine. She raised $7,439, mostly through numerous contributions under $50. She also received seven donations - two for $200 and five for $100 - on March 22 at a fund-raiser. In each case, Devine said on Wednesday, "They're all good friends."

Ward 4 City Council candidate Timothy W. Purington came in second, raising $5,427 this year. And by far, the largest contributor to Purington's campaign has been himself. In total, Purington contributed $1,617 through a series of 14 donations between March 28 and Aug. 1 ranging from $10 to $418.

At Large City Councilor James M. Leahy raised the next highest amount, $5,045, through numerous small donations. The largest was $200 from Peter Brady of 850 High St. Leahy also received nine, $100 donations, including one from the mayor.

Candidates who made substantial contributions to their own campaigns include:

Ward 3 City Council Candidate Anthony M. Keane, who raised $3,963 with a $1,036 from himself;

At Large City Council candidate Bruce F. Mitchell, who raised $2,726 with a $1,321 from himself;

At Large City Council candidate William J. Bevan, who raised $2,100, entirely funded by himself;

Ward 3 City Council candidate Richard P. Purcell, who raised $448, including a $228 donation from himself, and At Large City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain, who raised $450, including $400 in donations from himself.

Three candidates facing competition did not raise any money during the latest reporting period but still had money in their campaign coffers: At Large City Councilor Joseph M. McGiverin, Ward 5 City Councilor John P. Brunelle, and Ward 4 School Committee member Barry D. Conway.

Four candidates did not collect any contributions or have any money for their campaign: Ward 1 City Council candidate Jeanne Forget and three School Committee candidates: William R. Collamore (Ward 6 incumbent), Daniel C. Burns (Ward 6 challenger) and Margaret M. Boulais (Ward 7 incumbent).