Posted by
The Republican Newsroom September 22, 2007 13:46PM
By KEN ROSS kross@repub.com HOLYOKE - A singer who "just wants to help," a health care worker who believes strongly in "accessible government" and a turnpike foreman who's "down in the trenches" working for his constituents - these are the three choices for City Council facing Ward 4 residents in Tuesday's preliminary election.
The Ward 4 council candidates are Thomas W. Hart, 69, of 582 Pleasant St., Apartment 4R; John P. Lecca, 59, of 388 Pleasant St.; Timothy W. Purington, 47, of 243 Oak St.
Voters must narrow the field of three candidates down to two. Polls for Tuesday's preliminary election will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Church Parish Center, 485 Appleton St.
A native of Holyoke who works as an assistant foremen for the state Turnpike Authority, Lecca has held the Ward 4 council seat for the past four years. During that time, he said he has accomplished many achievements, including increased police patrols in the ward, helping to get four houses built on vacant lots and numerous quality of life issues, from keeping the streets clean to helping resolve a dispute between two neighbors over a collapsed wall.
"All of the issues I ran into in Ward 4 are residents being able to live safely, the quality of life issues in the city, maintaining our school system and keeping our fire and police fully staffed," Lecca said.
Keeping the police fully staffed is important, Lecca said, because "crime is a major issue in our ward."
Lecca also insisted he constantly seeks input from residents about what issues are important to them. "I'm down in the trenches in Ward 4," Lecca said.
Seeking input from residents is the central theme of Hart's campaign. "I'd like to do what they want me to do," he said.
An overnight maintenance worker for the Appleton Corporation in Springfield, Hart also performs with the Dane Kane Singers as a soloist.
Hart served on Holyoke's school committee from 1972 to 1974 and again from 1976 to 1978. He also ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1973. And two years ago, he came up one vote short for the second spot on the ballot in the preliminary election for the Ward 4 City Council race.
Hart repeatedly stressed during a recent interview that he does not have a personal agenda. Rather, he insisted that he simply wants to serve Ward 4 to do what's best for the community.
"I want to give back to the city," Hart said.
In particular, Hart said he wants to help the city's elderly residents. "I just want to help the elderly and help the city," Hart said.
For Purington, he said the key issues are "clean streets, safe neighborhoods and accessible government."
A native of Colrain who moved to Holyoke 12 years ago and who directs HIV programs for Tapestry Health System's Holyoke office, Purington has been talking with residents throughout Ward 4 to find out what issues are important to them. And in most cases, he said, "it's really quality of life issues people care about."
Residents also "want a city councilor that will return phone calls," Purington said. "I'm certainly not saying the city isn't doing a good job."
Rather, Purington said, "I really feel like I'm ready to step up to the plate and be an asset for the constituents."
In many cases, the changes advocated by Purington have "very little cost associated" with them. In particular, Purington said he believes there should be more police officers on foot patrol in Ward 4. The city also needs to do more about illegally parked cars.
"The police department is doing an amazing job," Purington said. "People simply want more of a police presence."
Preserving some of the ward's older homes also needs to be a priority, Purington said.
And like Hart and Lecca, Purington said he plans to continue to seek input from residents even after the election and to do what needs to be done if elected to the council. "I'm willing to work like a dog for the city," Purington said. "I'm very committed to Ward 4."
Labels: holyoke, preliminary election, tim purington
