Springfield City Elections

Once again, we offered all of the city council and school committee candidates who are in contested races the opportunity to submit a Candidate Statement free of charge since we believe that citizens who are knowledgeable about a candidate’s issues and positions make for informed voters. We thank all of the candidates who took the time to submit their Candidate Statements. We asked the city council candidates to respond to the following question: “Describe Your Plans for the Future of the City.”
We asked the school committee candidates to respond to the following question: “Describe Your Plans for Springfield’s Public Schools and Schoolchildren.”
Candidates who are in contested races that are not included did not respond to our invitation.
SPRINGFIELD CITY ELECTIONS
City Council At-Large Candidates

Nicole Coakley – Springfield is a city of resilience, creativity, and opportunity. As a candidate for City Council At-Large, I am committed to building a future where every resident, no matter their zip code, can thrive. My vision is grounded in unity, accountability, and investment in people.
First, we must address housing. Too many families are burdened by rising rents and limited affordable options. I will advocate for policies that protect tenants, support responsible landlords, and expand affordable housing opportunities while holding the city accountable for stronger code enforcement.
Second, I believe in economic growth that works for everyone. By strengthening small businesses, creating workforce development programs, and investing in local entrepreneurs so we can keep wealth in Springfield and create new pathways for success.
Third, public safety must remain a priority, but it requires more than policing. I will push for community-based solutions that tackle root causes, investments in youth programs, mental health services, and violence prevention initiatives because true safety comes from opportunity, stability, and hope.
Lastly, our infrastructure needs attention. From streets and sidewalks to parks and community spaces, I will work to ensure that public resources are invested equitably across all neighborhoods.
I am running because I believe Springfield’s best days are ahead of us. With transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress, we can create a city where families feel safe, supported, and proud to call Springfield home.
There’s no community without unity. Together, we will rise.

Sean Curran – I am a community builder who is dedicated to promoting and facilitating a better climate for small businesses here in Springfield.
I am in full support of the Hoop City Basketball Complex. Mega basketball complexes, as large as 20 courts, are being built around the country. These facilities are thriving, as large corporations such as Nike and Adidas have sponsored basketball leagues and have made this a multi-million-dollar revenue producer. Springfield,
with our basketball history, willbe the ideal place to site one of these facilities.
I also want to create a “Re-Store Springfield” department under the city’s Economic Development division to help small businesses with architects and signage professionals who can help improve their facades.
I think we should elevate this to a director position with some staff and some outreach. The city really should be going around to these business owners to try to help them. Let’s get them in contact with an architect, a sign company, and provide grant money to help small businesses replace signs and refurbish the front of their buildings.
Every Springfield neighborhood has a business district, neighborhood corner or small plaza that could use some help in boosting the aesthetics of their signage or façade.
I believe it’s always better to have a bright, more uniform signage and a more inviting look on the city streetscape. I think that absolutely would benefit Springfield.

Jose Delgado – As a City Councilor, my focus is on building a Springfield that works for everyone. I have worked on key initiatives that I believe will create a more equitable, prosperous, and safe city.
I’m leading the charge for a citywide high-speed fiber network. We need to open up the market to competition through a request for proposals (RFP) process. This will ensure that our residents have access to affordable and reliable internet, which is a necessity in today’s world. No neighborhood should be left behind when it comes to technology.
I’m also passionate about creating more economic opportunities. That’s why I sponsored a skills-based hiring ordinance for municipal jobs. This new law aims to open city
job opportunities for qualified city residents with relevant skills and experience. I also would like to see a workforce pipeline started for our public school students to ensure they get the opportunity to learn in our roles and to become our future leaders.
Finally, we need to continue to focus on public safety and housing by working to ensure we streamline development opportunities and mixed use housing to help alleviate the housing crunch. We need to continue to foster relationships with the community and police. Residents shouldn’t just see police when a crime is happening but be invested in our neighborhood functions and events.

Justin Hurst – The City of Springfield is at a pivotal moment in the crossroads of our history. How we develop in the coming years will shape not just the economic future of our city, but will also have lasting impacts on generations to come.
The issues that I campaigned on when I ran for Mayor are more present now than ever before. Time and time again, we are failing to meet the moment. And we, the people, feel the pain.
The message has been received loud and clear from the many residents who have reached out to me in hopes that I would not stop fighting for them, for their children and families, and for a better Springfield.
Your support and trust have motivated me to seek re-election to the Springfield City Council. With your help, I will continue to fight for a Springfield where we are able to retain our young people and attract new neighbors – where folks feel safe enough to not just survive, but to thrive. To invest back into our great city. Where our families and seniors are not saddled with the burden of ever-rising taxes and utilities.
I remain steadfast in what I have always believed – that a better Springfield for all is necessary – and that together, it is still possible.
Our work isn’t done. In fact, I believe we’re just getting started. I will be that voice for you and for future generations to come.

Juan F. Latorre III – The City of Springfield is at a crossroad. Our city has much to be proud of – brand new schools, beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods, a growing list of leaders that reflect the diversity of our community.
However, we remain stuck in neutral. More than one quarter of our residents live in poverty. Little large-scale development occurs without local, state, or federal aid. Turnout in municipal elections remains stubbornly low. Our population growth is stagnant.
The time is now for a new generation of leaders to lift Springfield to new heights, and I seek to serve as a new leader on the Springfield City Council. My unique set of qualifications – both earned through a quality public-school education (Central High School, UMass Amherst Engineering) and acquired through the “School of Hard Knocks” have prepared me for this moment.
I envision a Springfield where every resident knows that they have an equal voice at the table. A Springfield where new ideas are welcomed and the status quo is challenged. We deserve a Springfield that is affordable, safe, vibrant, and clean. We need a Springfield where a child can obtain a world class education regardless of what neighborhood they live in or what they look like.
Springfield has given more to me than I can ever repay. In this spirit, if re-elected to the City Council, I will do all in my power to give back to the city we all love.

Katerie B. Walsh – Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about Springfield’s future.
I am honored to serve as an At-Large City Councilor and am seeking re-election in November 2025. Public service, civic engagement, and transparency have always guided my work, values I learned from my family who taught me that serving others is an honorable calling.
My priorities remain public safety, economic development, jobs, and quality schools. I am especially committed to protecting our seniors from scams and elder abuse. As a member of the Elder Affairs and General Government Committee, I have helped organize seminars and meetings to provide information and resources for older residents.
As part of a military family, I have long supported and honored veterans. I was proud to sponsor the Brave Act and the Heroes Act, expanding important benefits for those who served our nation.
I also continue to advocate for investment in projects that create jobs and strengthen our city, including the long-awaited High-Speed Rail. As Chair of the Springfield Women’s Commission, I bring women’s issues to the forefront, including planning this October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony.
I am committed to working with Superintendent Larry Akers, supporting C3 programs, and ensuring our police department has the resources it needs to keep Springfield safe. Recognition and gratitude also matter, and I will always honor those who dedicate themselves to a better Springfield.
I am a graduate of Emmanuel College and hold a master’s degree from Springfield College.

Tracy Whitfield – As Executive Director of the Coalition for an Equitable Economy (CEE), I have dedicated my career to advancing systems change that gives small businesses, innovative startups, and emerging developers the opportunity to sustain, grow, and thrive. By creating new pathways for access to capital and support, I work every day to strengthen the foundation of our local economy.
My commitment to community safety runs deep. As Chair of the Mason Square C3 for over 10 years, I have partnered with law enforcement and residents to protect our seniors, children, and families—ensuring Springfield remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
In addition to my work with CEE, I proudly serve as Vice President of the Springfield City Council, where I continue to advocate for policies that expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and give every resident a voice in shaping our city’s future.
I also believe in building the next generation of leaders. By inviting young people and rising voices to participate in event planning and lead panel discussions, I create space for them to grow their confidence, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Beyond this, I serve on the Springfield Housing Trust Advisory Board, where I focus on reducing homelessness and expanding affordable housing options. I am equally committed to second chances, which is why I champion the Clean Slate Initiative—because everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society after incarceration.

City Council
Ward Candidates

Willie James Naylor: Ward 4 – At dawn in Meridian, Mississippi, I once stood at a crossroads in the ancestral land where Medgar Evers walked and where Fannie Lou Hamer declared, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Those words still resonate in my spirit as I aspire to serve Ward 4 City Council. Like Medgar’s last words, “Turn me loose,” I hear our community crying out for a change from bobblehead politics and tired leadership.
As your representative, I will not criminalize our youth and paint them with one brush as gangbangers and thugs. Many struggle with men tal health and trauma, but many are raising families and dreaming of a future investment in our community.
I’ll encourage adult workforce development opportunities that balance out the disparity in our communities as a result of persistent poverty. I’ll promote education, training and certification in the computer industry and the trades because our city needs them.
I’ll fight for our seniors, too. Too many live in homes that are deteriorating and leaky roofs that cry when it rains. They deserve the dignity to repair their homes and remain in the houses they sacrificed for. I’ll push for expanded senior tax relief. I will lead with equity for affordable housing and rent stabilization. I will hold our utility companies accountable and ensure they meet their contractual obligations to our residents.
From addressing food insecurity, climate justice, safer streets, I’ll listen and show up. “If you’re sick and tired” then “turn me loose.” It’s time for new leadership in Ward 4.

Mary Johnson: Ward 6 – My name is Attorney Mary Johnson, and I am running for Springfield City Council in Ward 6. I have over a decade of experience as a legal aid attorney and as a public defender, representing people who have traditionally been kept too far from competent, legal advice. I work hard every day to stand up for constitutional and civil rights because when one of us loses our rights, we all do.
Now, I am bringing my fight for justice to Springfield City Council. My husband and I are raising our children in Springfield. We believe in the public schools of Springfield: the teachers, paralegals, and administrators who sacrifice every day to teach our children and all the students in Springfield Public Schools. My daughter was very shy when she started preschool in 2017, but her teacher Ms. Dolson was so patient and waited for her to come out of her shell. As parents, this meant the world to us.
I want to give back to the community who has made this place a welcoming home. Regarding the current political climate, I see too much bullying in politics today. I am running to bring civility and professionalism to the Ward 6 seat. We need collaborative City Councilors who are willing to work hard to get the work done. That is what I do every day as an attorney. That is what I will do as the Ward 6 City Councilor.

School Committee
At-Large Candidates

Denise Hurst – I believe public education is a fundamental human right and that every child deserves access to a high-quality and equitable education. Since being elected to the Springfield School Committee in 2009, I have approached my role with deep responsibility and pride.
My commitment to Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is personal. As a proud graduate myself, along with my husband, much of my family, and as a parent of two SPS students, I know firsthand the strength and potential of our district. I believe deeply that our students are Springfield’s most valuable resource and that ensuring their success is not only possible, but imperative.
As a district, we have made significant progress in raising student achievement, strengthening family and community engagement, and supporting our staff with sustainable, livable wages. Yet, I recognize that challenges remain and that our work is far from finished. I am excited to continue advocating for our students, families and staff, and I look forward to working alongside our new Superintendent, Dr. Sonia Dinnall.
Moving forward, I remain committed to advancing policies that ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and lifelong success. My priorities include accelerating student achievement, expanding family and community partnerships, and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workforce.
I will continue to champion Springfield Public Schools at the local, state, and national levels—and I promise to keep the best interests of our children, families, and educators at the heart of every decision I make.

Latonia Naylor – For eight years, I proudly served on the Springfield School Committee—currently as Vice-Chair—driven by one core belief: every child in Springfield deserves safety, equity, and opportunity.
I’ve led with action. From ensuring our crossing guards had updated gear for safer streets, to expanding multilingual virtual access during COVID so every family could participate, to spearheading town hall–style meetings on issues like police access to school cameras—I fought to ensure that transparency and community voice are at the center of every decision. I pushed for budgets and policies to be accessible online, for subcommittee meetings to be streamed publicly, and for resources that address social-emotional learning needs of students from every background.
This work has not come without adversity. For years, I endured slander, gaslighting, and worst—at times even facing egregious remarks shared publicly about me and my family, placing them under uncomfortable spotlights. Yet, even through these challenges, I have remained steadfast. My commitment has never been about politics or personal recognition—it has always been about putting Springfield’s children and families first.
As a lifelong Springfield resident, a proud graduate of Elms College and Bay Path University, a wife and mother of four who has seen her own children thrive in our schools, and co-founder of Parent Villages, I bring both personal investment and professional experience to this work. I am running for re-election so I can continue building toward a Springfield where all students are safe, supported, and prepared for lifelong success.

School Committee
District Candidates

Barbara Gresham: District 2, Wards 4&5 – Once again, it is an honor and a privilege to be a candidate for the Springfield School Committee. During the years I have served you and the community, every decision, every vote, and every consideration I made has been about the health, safety and well-being of all students.
What led me to be a candidate for the Springfield School Committee was my lifetime work as a Head Start Nurse. I saw firsthand children at their earliest stage of life, beginning that journey through our educational school system, the very most important journey that affects the outcome of their lives.
I realized that the importance of health, well-being and caring instruction really mattered. I saw the joy and sparkle in their eyes as a new piece of knowledge opened up before their eyes to inspire them. I will always adopt policies that are in the best interest of all students and keep budget cuts far from the class room. I strongly “believe” our educational system is moving in the right direction.
As a school committee member, I will continue working to ensure that all children in our school system have the very best opportunity to fulfill their individual potential.

Ayanna Crawford: District 4, Wards 2&8 – I am a former educator and native of Springfield. I am running for the School Committee District 4 seat, made up of Wards 2 & 8, because I want to improve the quality of education and serve as a voice for the community. As an educator for over 20 years and a community leader for families and youth, I know firsthand how working collaboratively with community and schools will be so vitally important as we build a brighter future for all children in all grades in Springfield.
My commitment is to listening to the community and making decisions based on their priorities. Key aspects of my campaign are:
● Fiscal responsibility: I pledge to find the funding necessary to help students who need extra support in Mental Health and Social Emotional Services.
● Community engagement: I promise to be accessible and present in the community to hear their concerns and collaborate with parents and children.
● Leveraging experience: Drawing on over a decade as an educator in the Springfield Public Schools, along with my work as a motivational speaker and experience as Chief of Staff to Representative Orlando Ramos, I aim to provide effective leadership.
● Empowering the youth: As the founder of the “Take the Mic” public speaking program, I am dedicated to helping young people build confidence and find their voice.
● Credentials: I earned a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Psychology and
a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in
Education. ■