Ward Representation vs. Springfield City Receivership

I, Norman Oliver, as one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the city of Springfield would like to share with you some food for thought. It is to me most peculiar that the Democratic majority state legislature would send to the city of Springfield The Control Board and not provide them with adequate financial aid to remedy the situation here in Springfield. I can’t help but suspect that there has to be some underlying motive for this unfertile act. As I reflect on the current demographics of the city of Springfield, it becomes apparent that the minority population, that is, the African American, the Asian American and the Hispanic American of the city of Springfield, if not now, will soon become the majority of the city of Springfield. Now, let’s consider the implications? Can it possibly be that the in place political monopoly and corporate interests of the city of Springfield are in agreement that the minority--now majority--are not to be trusted with the responsibility of directing the future of this city of Springfield? And why are our elected representatives so silent on this issue? Why are we not hearing from our Rep. Ben Swan or from Rep. Cheryl Rivera or from City Councilor Bud Williams or from City Councilor Jose Tosado? And are the minority--now majority--the only families to lose out on this dilemma? I think not. We, all factions of this Springfield community, need to come together and ask the state Democratic majority legislature, "What is going on?"

So why, ward representation?

First of all, it’s the right thing to do. The at-large system is very exclusive and not inclusive. Since its inception in the year 1961, 99% of the elected officials in Springfield have been of European American decent. How can we hope to promote democracy abroad if we don’t practice a good example of democracy at home? Secondly and equally important, it is the best plan for this diverse city of Springfield. Why?

l Our elected officials could be held more accountable by stemming the corruptive element.

l The cost of conducting an at-large campaign limits the opportunity for otherwise electable candidates.

l Door to door campaigns would be a more reliable method of selecting credible candidates from their local ward districts. It would also promote a diverse and inclusive political process. One could expect greater activity and much needed enrollment in the local political process. The greater the numbers of active registered voters in Springfield the greater prospects of receiving our fair share of federal and state revenue. With the current at- large process, the only time we see our elected officials in our neighborhood is during election year.

l The future of Springfield, which we must surely recognize to be the children of Springfield, is in our hands: yours, mine, ours.

Norman W. Oliver

Plaintiff vs. City of Springfield, Massachusetts