Tim Purington, Holyoke Ward 4 City Councilor

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:22:00 +0000

This blog is now located at http://holyokward4.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://holyokward4.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Community Garden Sprouts in Ward 4

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:50:00 +0000

May 9, 2009: Corner Walnut + Essex Street

Instead of being frustrated about not being able to keep an abandoned lot clean, the Ward 4 Trash Bashers took matters into their own hands, and planted a Community Garden!

May 18, 2009 Garden Update
The garden is going strong! The spinach seeds that I planted are sprouted and doing great! Best of all, the lot appears to be collecting less trash. Hopefully as time goes along more residents from the immediate neighborhood will be interested in gardening on the lot.

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Volunteers give the city a ‘clean sweep’

HOLYOKE - From Beaudoin Village to Lyman Village to Pulaski Park and beyond, volunteers stuffed trash bags, wept sidewalks, removed debris, and made the city a cleaner and safer place during the annual “Holyoke Clean Sweep” on Friday and Saturday last week.

Neighborhood and city organizations fanned out to clean parks, streets, alleyways, and embankments of garbage That included items such as fast food wrappers, discarded mattresses, broken televisions, and used drug paraphernalia.
The Mayor’s Office, Holyoke Boys and Girls Club, Open Square, the Count on Me Program, the Holyoke Community Charter School, and residents from Ward 4 joined in on the effort.

Crews from the Department of Public Works and Suez Environment-United Water used trucks to pick up the trash at designated areas throughout the city. The annual cleanup draws attention to the city’s daily continued fight against trash and the need to educate businesses and residents to help keep Holyoke clean.

For Ward 4 resident Daphne Board and her husband, Stan, along with City Councilor Tim Purington, every week is “Clean Sweep,” as they host the weekly “Trash Bash” in their Pine Street neighborhood. While some progress has been made to tackle the trash problem and the roster of residents to help them has grown, it became evident behind 181 Pine St. that more has to be done.

Board and seven other volunteers scoured the alley behind the shuttered tenement, long known to nearby residents
as a place for illegal activity and drug use. In less than an hour, the volunteers removed six mattresses, a broken television, discarded furniture, building materials, stacks of tires, a mini-pool table, car doors from a compact car, and bags overflowing with trash.

“I think it’s a slow progressing,” said Board about the groups attempt to keep the ward clean. “Honestly, the first
time we started doing it there was a lot more trash on the streets and I think it’s really not a situation where our goal is to completely eradicate the trash, because that would take years and years. Our goal is to build a network of people and get some sense of community and that’s totally happening.”

She said the groups other goal is to have residents take care of their own property and nearby alleyways. Homes and buildings adjacent to the alleys have the responsibility to keep those areas free of debris as they share property rights.

Board said the group “trash bashes” one weeknight and on Saturday afternoons. The weekly neighborhood clean up has produced some results. “Every week we go out and more and more people see us out. And, so, if one person
sees us out in a week, we made progress in the right direction because it’s one less person who is going not to take care of their property,” said Board.

As Purrington rummaged through the alley and hauled out large pieces of debris to the nearby curb on Appleton Street, he came upon a used syringed that he found near a broken down garage. He wore surgical gloves during the
clean up in case such a situation arose.

Besides participation in the weekly clean ups, Purrington, along with other residents in Ward 4, formed a neighborhood crime watch group. The alley has been identified by both the police department and Mayor Michael J. Sullivan as a place of both illegal activities and illegal dumping.

Purrington said he introduced proposed ordinances in the past to limit access to alleys and to have bulk item pick
ups for all residents to drop off larger items at the DPW. “Right now it’s only people with permits, which is basically just homeowners,” said Purrington. “When half the city are renters, you’re eliminating half the people. I think there are a lot of people that don’t have other ways.”

By the time the volunteers reached Suffolk Street, they cleaned most of the alley and piled the bags and debris for
the DPW crews to pick up. For the residents of Ward 4, they have many more weeks of clean ups and trash bashes ahead of them.

By Dennis P. Hohenberger
Turley Correspondent

Walking inventory to be completed in Ward 4

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:06:00 +0000

Holyoke, MA –Ward 4 City Councilor Timothy Purington is seeking assistance from the community in completing a walking inventory of Ward 4. The purpose of the walking inventory is to gather detailed information about the Ward 4 areas that need attention such as broken sidewalks, traffic problems, dark streets that need lighting, potholes, etc. The inventory will be completed between September 22 and October 13.

Community members are encouraged to help with this process in one of two ways. First, anyone interested in volunteering to help with the walking inventory can contact Councilor Purington. Or, if you would like to report items that you would like included in the inventory, you can email the information to tim.purington@verizon.net or call it in to 413-887-9554.

Once the walking inventory of Ward 4 is completed, Councilor Purington will present the results and gather further input in a series of community meetings throughout the Ward.

Anyone interested in learning more about this process contact Tim Purington or visit his website at www.holyokeward4.com All community members are invited and encouraged to participate.

Holyoke sewer fee increase fails

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:06:00 +0000

Holyoke sewer fee increase fails
From the Republican
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - A City Council move to increase the fee for sewer service failed by a narrow vote Tuesday.

The council voted 7-6 in favor of the increase. But because the motion requires a two-thirds majority vote, the proposed rate increase was not approved.

Voting in favor of the increase were Councilors Diosdado Lopez, Joseph M. McGiverin, John J. O'Neill, John P. Brunelle, Patricia C. Devine, Anthony M. Keane and James M. Leahy. Voting against were Councilors Rebecca Lisi, Todd A. McGee, Elaine A. Pluta, Peter R. Tallman, John E. Whelihan and Timothy Purington. Councilors Kevin A. Jourdain and Donald R. Welch were absent.
If approved, the sewer use fee would have been raised by 74 cents or 15.8 percent from $4.66 per 1,000 gallons to $5.40 per 1,000 gallons.

The increase is needed mainly to help pay off $6 million in debt for the city's new sewage treatment plant and $3 million for a combined sewer overflow abatement project on Mosher Street, William D. Fuqua, Department of Public Works superintendent, has said.

Several councilors spoke in favor of the proposed rate increase. "I certainly don't want to see an increase but I think it would be short-sighted for us to vote against this," Keane said.

"I think we have to do the responsible, fiduciary thing," Leahy said.

But opponents to the defeated rate increase mainly noted the way the sewer system is currently managed through a contract with a private company, United Water.

"We do have the capacity to manage it on our own," Lisi said.

That's why Pluta said she believed the city should investigate the possibility of getting out of the contract with United Water.

"We have no oversight as to what's going on," Pluta said.

Last month, Fuqua said he hoped to implement the increase as soon as it was approved by the council. "It's important because we're losing about $150,000 a month in anticipated revenue," Fuqua said Aug. 6.

On May 19, the Board of Public Works voted 3-0 in favor of recommending the rate increase.

The proposed increase was not a big surprise because public works officials planned two years ago to review sewer rates every two years, Fuqua said in May.

As a result, Fuqua said he does not envision rates going up again in the near future.

Resident walk against crime in Ward 4 Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:39:00 +0000

This story appeared in the Holyoke Sun 8/15/2008
By Dennis P. Hohenburger

July 10, 2008 Channel 40 covers Thursday Night Trash Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:35:00 +0000

As reported by WGGB TV-40 / ABC News

2 upsets mark Holyoke voting

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:50:00 +0000

Wednesday, November 07, 2007
From The Republican

By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - Political newcomer Timothy W. Purington defeated incumbent John P. Lecca, pulling off one of two upsets in yesterday's low-key municipal election.

"I'm thrilled by the results," Purington said.

The other upset was staged by Howard B. Greaney Jr., who defeated incumbent Michael J. Moriarty for an At-Large School Committee seat by a vote of 2,829 to 2,785.

"We just worked and worked and worked and we got our message out," Greaney said.
And the newest At-Large City Council member is Rebecca Lisi, who beat out three challengers for the seat vacated by Raymond H. Feyre, who did not run for re-election.

"I find it to be a great honor," Lisi said. "I'm glad the citizens of Holyoke are trusting me with this responsibility."

All the other political races were won by incumbents, including Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who ran unopposed.

Along with the political races, residents also favored a nonbinding ballot question to reduce the size of the 15-member City Council by a tally of 2,783 to 2,338.
Voter turnout was relatively low. A total of 31.8 percent or 6,147 of the city's 19,613 registered voters cast ballots in the election, according to City Clerk Susan M. Egan.

"I thought it (voter turnout) would be a little higher," Egan said yesterday. "I think this morning's rain really turned off a lot of people."
Along with Lisi, seven At-Large City Council members were re-elected. Elaine A. Pluta captured the most votes. The other six in order of the number of votes received were Joseph M. McGiverin, Peter R. Tallman, James M. Leahy, Patricia C. Devine, Kevin A. Jourdain and John E. Whelihan.

As for the ward City Council races, Purington pulled off the only upset, defeating Lecca by a vote of 365 to 301. Purington credited his win to his hard work as a campaigner.

"I feel like I really put a lot of work into understanding the ward," Purington said. "I worked really hard. I listened to people. My platform was really based on what constituents wanted and they rewarded me."

As for the other ward City Council races, Ward 1 incumbent Donald R. Welch defeated M. Jeanne R. Forget.

In the Ward 3 City Council race, Anthony Martin Keane outpaced Richard P. Purcell for the post currently held by Helen F. Norris, who did not seek re-election.

In Ward 5, incumbent John P. Brunelle defeated Linda L. Vacon.

There were also contested races for two, ward School Committee seats. In Ward 6, incumbent William R. Collamore beat Daniel C. Burns. In Ward 7, incumbent Margaret M. Boulais survived a challenge by Nicole S. Muller.

In the School Committee At Large race, Greaney, a retired teacher, ousted Moriarty. Greaney attributed his win to a strong grassroots campaign. He also referred to a Moriarty as a formidable candidate.

Moriarty thanked Greaney for a clean campaign. "We both made a case for why we should be on the School Committee. The results weren't what I wanted but it was the will of the voters," Moriarty said. Moriarty said he will ask for a recount since he lost by less than 1 percent of the vote.

Purington wins the general election 365-304

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:07:00 +0000

Complete Holyoke results
Posted by The Republican Newsroom November 06, 2007 21:23PM
Categories: Politics

HOLYOKE - In the Holyoke School Committee at-large race, retired teacher Howard B. Greaney Jr. ousted Michael J. Moriarty, who served as vice chairman for two terms in the past on the committee. Greaney attributed his win to a strong grassroots campaign.

Voter turnout was 31.8 percent, 19,613 voters.

"We just worked and worked and worked and we got our message out," Greaney said.

"We are going to do a great job for the citizens of Holyoke and especially the children," Greaney said.

Greaney referred to Moriarty as a formidable candidate. Moriarty thanked Greaney for a clean campaign.

"It was a decent campaign. ...We both made a case for why we should be on the School Committee. The results weren't what I wanted, but it was the will of the voters," Moriarty said.

Moriarty said he will ask for a recount since he lost by less than 1 percent of the vote.

Here are the unofficial results of Tuesday's municipal election in Holyoke.

Total voters : 19,613
31.8%

City Council
At Large
James M. Leahy* (i) 3,271
Elaine A. Pluta*(i) 3,608
William J. Bevan 1,977
Kevin A. Jourdain* (i) 3,079
Peter R. Tallman* (i) 3,353
Patricia C. Devine *(i) 3,227
John D. Pierce Jr. 1,106
Joseph M. McGiverin* (i) 3,487
Rebecca Lisi* 2,950
John E. Whelihan *(i) 2,756
Bruce F. Mitchell 1,974

Ward 1
Donald R. Welch*248
M. Jeanne R. Forget 101

Ward 3
Anthony Martin Keane *750
Richard P. Purcell 361

Ward 4
Timothy W. Purington*365
John P. Lecca (i)304

Ward 5
John P. Brunelle *(i) 684
Linda L. Vacon 595

School Committee
At Large
Michael J. Moriarty (i) 2,785
Howard B. Greaney Jr.*2,829
Ward 6
Daniel C. Burns 332
William R. Collamore *(i) 485

Ward 7
Margaret M. Boulais* (i) 667
Nicole S. Muller 501

Ballot question
Should the city of Holyoke reduce the size of the City Council?
Yes 2,783
No 2,338

(*) Denotes winner
(i) denotes incumbent

Hopefuls list funds by donors

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 19:10:00 +0000

From The Republican
Sunday, November 04, 2007
By KEN ROSSkross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - At Large City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain jumped to the top of the campaign fundraising list, thanks in part to two $500 donations from Republican Presidential candidate W. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann.

Such information was listed in the final campaign finance reports submitted by candidates before Tuesday's election, when polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The final campaign finance reports were due on Monday. Prior to then, candidates were required to submit campaign finance reports on Sept. 17.

Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who is running unopposed in Tuesday's municipal election, still has the most money: $7,914 even after spending $1,671 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

In his Sept. 17 report, Jourdain had a mere $396 in his campaign coffers, placing him low on the list of money raised by candidates. But Jourdain now has $6,614. And that doesn't even include the $953 he spent between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

In the Sept. 17 campaign finance reports, fellow At Large City Councilor Patricia C. Devine was the second most successful fund-raiser after Sullivan. Devine raised $7,439. She also spent $4,537 before Sept. 17. Since then, Devine has eased off on her fund-raising efforts. She now has $1,123 left over after spending $2,283 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

After Jourdain, At Large City Councilor James M. Leahy has the third most money left over: $5,363. He spent $210 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

At number four is At Large City Councilor Elaine A. Pluta with $4,576 left over after spending $1,020 during the latest six-week campaign period.

Fifth is At Large School Committee candidate Howard B. Greaney Jr., who has $3,560 after spending $1,345. His opponent, incumbent Michael J. Moriarty, has $1,749 putting him in seventh position. This comes after Moriarty spent the most of any candidate, $3,820.

Sixth on the list is Ward 4 City Council candidate Timothy W. Purington, who still has $3,261 and spent $2,148. His opponent, incumbent John P. Lecca, did not file a campaign finance report this week. For the previous reports due Sept. 17, Lecca had $487 remaining.

As for other contested ward races, Ward 1 City Councilor Donald R. Welch has $1,009 and spent $416. His rival, Jeanne Forget, did not raise or spend any money.
In the Ward 3 City Council race, Anthony Martin Keane still has $1,060 compared to Richard P. Purcell, who has $473 left over. Purcell spent $954 during the latest six-week campaign period. Keane spent $1,551.

In the Ward 5 City Council race, challenger Linda A. Vacon has $1,094 left over compared to $168 for incumbent John P. Brunelle. Vacon didn't spend any money. Brunelle spent $100.

In the Ward 6 School Committee race, incumbent William R. Collamore didn't raise money and challenger Daniel C. Burns doesn't have any money left after spending $391.

In the Ward 7 School Committee race, incumbent Margaret M. Boulais still has $525 compared to $1,024 for challenger Nicole S. Muller. Muller spent $59. Boulais spent $894.

As for the remaining eight At Large City Council candidates, next on the list is:
Candidate Rebecca Lisi, who still had $2,906 and spent $251 during the latest campaign period.
Council President Joseph M. McGiverin, who has $1,644 and spent $2,319.
Councilor Peter R. Tallman, who has $1,333 and spent $232.
Councilor John E. Whelihan, who still has $161 and spent $899.
Candidate William J. Bevan, who has $37 and spent $2,612.
Candidate Bruce F. Mitchell, who has $5 and spent $981.
Candidate John D. Pierce Jr. did not file a report.

Do you really feel like Ward 4 has become cleaner, safer, and stronger in the past four years?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 23:24:00 +0000

Candidates spar at forum

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:50:00 +0000

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).

Newcomer tops Holyoke race

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:08:00 +0000

From The Republican newspaper.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 By KEN ROSS kross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - Political newcomer Timothy W. Purington captured the most votes in yesterday's Ward 4 City Council preliminary election, setting up a race between him and incumbent John P. Lecca.

"I think my grassroots strategy has really resonated with people," Purington said yesterday.

In the Ward 4 race, Purington received 164 votes, Lecca garnered 142 votes and Thomas W. Hart received 33 votes. The top two candidates advance to the general election on Nov. 6.

A total of 342 voters or 16 percent of the ward's 2,131 registered voters cast ballots in yesterday's preliminary election, according to City Clerk Susan M. Egan.

On Monday, Egan predicted a 9 percent voter turnout. Yesterday, she attributed the slightly higher turnout to the unseasonably warm weather.

"I think it's because today was so beautiful," Egan said. "People were walking to the polls."

Hart said he was "disappointed" about the results. "Primaries are always funny," Hart said. He added he will support Lecca in the November election. "I'd like to see Jack win," Hart said.

Lecca hopes more voters like Hart come out to support him in November. "I think they (my supporters) assumed I'd win again and move on and we have to take this gentleman (Purington) seriously," Lecca said. He added he believes support for Purington is being driven by "an outside faction" of people from outside Holyoke.

Even though he finished first, Purington said, "I'm not going to take anything for granted." As a result, Purington planned to resume campaigning today.

"I have a lot of people to talk to," Purington said.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, outside the sole voting place in Ward 4, St. Paul's Church on Appleton Street, Lecca and Hart and their supporters were vying for the attention of voters along with supporters of Purington.

Holding a red-and-white sign bearing Lecca's name, John J. Cadigan said he supported Lecca because "I know him and I think he's done a good job."

Purington supporter and Ward 4 resident Scott D. Welsch praised Purington, saying, "I think he's a great person. He's a hard worker and he cares about the community."

Purington wins preliminary election

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:50:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Date: September 25, 2007

Contacts: Timothy Purington, Candidate for Holyoke Ward 4 City Council
Email: tim.purington@verizon.net
Phone: (413)534-8944, 413-262-9404
Website: www.holyokeward4.com

Holyoke, MA – On Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Ward 4 City Council Candidate Tim Purington finished first in Holyoke’s only preliminary election for the 2007 municipal elections. Preliminary results show a total of 339 votes were cast with Purington garnering 164, incumbent John Lecca 142, and Tom Hart receiving 33.

“I’m very gratified to see the confidence that the voters of Ward 4 have placed in me,” said Purington. “I felt that my message was resonating with people and I’m pleased to see that is true.”

Purington is head of his Neighborhood Watch, a mayoral appointee to the Holyoke Historic Commission, and Chair of the Ward 4 Democratic Committee. This is his first electoral run.

“I’m looking forward to the general election and am taking nothing for granted” Purington said. “I’m excited about this ward’s and this city’s future and ready to talk about the issues.”

###

3 vy for Holyoke council seat

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 22:34:00 +0000

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."

News story from The Republican 9-18-2007

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Purington) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:36:00 +0000

Candidates miss deadlines
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
By DAVID REID
dreid@repub.com
(This story appeared in The Republican Holyoke/Chicopee edition)

HOLYOKE - Just over half the 23 candidates for City Council this fall filed state-mandated campaign finance statements by yesterday's deadline.

And, according to records at the city clerk's office, only four of the 11 candidates for School Committee managed to file the required finance statements by yesterday.

Among those filing on time, At-large Councilor Patricia C. Devine topped the list of fund-raisers, declaring $7,440 in contributions in 2007. She also spent $4,979, leaving her campaign with $2,900 in cash and $200 in outstanding liabilities.

At-large Councilor Raymond H. Feyre, who announced he will not seek re-election, raised $7,030 and spent $3,771 this year, leaving his coffers with $3,259.

Among the other leading fund-raisers seeking election to the City Council were:
Timothy W. Purington, a candidate for the Ward 4 City Council seat, who raised $5,427, $1,617 of his own funds, and spent $957 this year.

Rebecca Lisi, a candidate in the race for eight at-large council seats, raised $4,004 and spent $2,256 this year.

Ward 6 incumbent Councilor Todd A. McGee raised $3,325 and spent $2,654 this year. He also listed $3,125 in outstanding loans to his own committee.

At-large council candidate Bruce F. Mitchell raised $2,726 and spent $2,650 this year. He also listed $1,321 in outstanding loans to his campaign.

Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch raised $2,660 and spent $1,234 this year.

Incumbent At-large Councilor Peter R. Tallman raised $2,226 and spent $814 so far this year.

In Ward 5, incumbent Councilor John P. Brunelle reported raising and spending no money, leaving him with only $144 and outstanding loans of $2,256. His opponent, Linda L. Vacon, raised $1,401 and spent $660, leaving her campaign with $1,070. She also reported $1,910 in in-kind contributions, and outstanding liabilities of $500.

Those who missed yesterday's deadline include: At-large Councilors James M. Leahy, John E. Whelihan and Council President Joseph M. McGiverin; at-large candidate John D. Pierce Jr.; Ward 1 candidate Jeanne R. Forget; Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez; Ward 3 candidate Anthony M. Keane; Ward 4 Councilor John P. Lecca and one of his challengers, Thomas W. Hart; and Ward 7 Councilor John J. O'Neill, who is running unopposed.