A Change of Command in Springfield
by Bill Dusty
The state-imposed Springfield Finance Control Board (SFCB) relinquished its authority over the city on Tuesday, June 30, after five years of sometimes unpopular rule. [See video of the ceremony, here.] The Control Board, which imposed strict financial measures that resulted in Springfield going from a $41 million deficit to a $34 million cash surplus, was particularly reviled by the city’s employee unions, all of which were targeted by the stingy, cost-cutting Board. The Control Board also fell into disfavor with the general public after it enacted a citywide trash fee two years ago.
But for most residents of the city – long-tired of the political corruption, ineptitude, and ol’ boy favoritism that was for decades the norm at City Hall – the Finance Control Board offered a glimpse of the kind of professionalism and sound administration that has been so terribly lacking in Springfield for so many years.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Springfield is a more successful city today than it was back in 2004. Detractors might argue that the recovery would have happened regardless – perhaps even quicker – without the SFCB’s efforts. But really, only a Friend of the Establishment or a stooge would actually believe such a notion.
In any event, the next time things go ill for the city, folks won’t have the SFCB to kick around for it all. And who knows? If things go really sour again, we might just see The Parents pull up in our driveway once again.
Fire Department (left) and Police (right) honor guards await the arrival of Governor Deval Patrick at City Hall.
FCB Chairman Christopher Gabrieli emceed the ceremony.
With the sun’s blazing hot rays sending most people to the shady refuge of nearby Court Square’s trees, many of the chairs set up for the ceremony remained empty.
The home rule deligation included Mayor Domenic Sarno (center-right), former Mayor Ryan (right), and City Councilors Bill Foley, Bud Williams and Kateri Walsh (rear). Also seated with them are Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray (front-left) and the state’s Secrectary of Administration and Finance, Leslie Kirwan (center).
Current and past members (and staff) of the Finance Control Board,
including Philip Puccia (center-left), former chairman Alan LeBovidge (center), Stephen Lisauskas (center-right), and Gabrieli (right).
Governor Deval Patrick speaks at the ceremony.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno tells the crowd that Springfield is ready to stand on its own two feet.
At the end of all the speeches, Sarno handed a nifty Merriam-Webster dictionary to everyone on stage.
Even former Mayor Charlie Ryan, whom Sarno defeated in 2007, got a dictionary to call his very own.
Finally, it was Sarno’s turn to get a gift. Governor Patrick gave him a commemorative gavel, symbolizing the city’s return to home rule.
After the ceremony, everyone was invited to enjoy drinks and snacks underneath tents set up in Court Square.
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