Mayoral Announcement Speech

Antonette Pepe
April 26, 2011

Good Evening!
Thank you for joining me as I announce my candidacy for Mayor of the City of
Springfield. Before we start, I want to tell you I don’t make promises I can’t keep.

As many of you know, I have had the honor and privilege to serve the students and
families of this city. As a member of the School Committee, my mission has been to Promote
Excellence in Public Education. Sometimes this has meant that I am not the most popular person
on the committee. I ask tough questions and I demand answers.
My record shows that I always respond to the people I serve.
Enough is enough! Political favors, closed door deals and all the other things that don’t
serve the people’s interest in this city are over. There will be no more closed doors in City
Hall with me as your mayor.

Economy
We are facing an economic crisis in our country and in our city and state. We continue to
see a decline in our middle class. We have lost many businesses. And now we face nearly a
13% unemployment rate in Springfield.
As your next Mayor and Chairperson of the School Committee, I will continue to work
hard to ensure that our young people receive the proper education.
Too many times, our young people have been told, “if you do well in school and come
back to Springfield, there will be a job waiting for you.” Well...Where are the jobs? It is time to
stop making false promises.
Springfield Financial Outlook
As we stand here tonight, another financial crisis is looming. The 7% cut in state
financial aid translates to a city deficit of $18 million.
The current Mayor is attempting to balance the city budget through a combination of
surplus funds and concessions from city workers, including a wage freeze and 12 furlough days.
This is at best a quick fix. We need a comprehensive plan.
This Mayor needs to be clear and straightforward. Springfield citizens and employees
need to know that everything has been considered in addressing the budget shortfall before they
are asked to make additional sacrifices. There cannot be politically protected areas.
Another problem is we really don’t know the full financial picture.
Let’s face it, Springfield is not currently being run efficiently; and yet, the current mayor
wants four more years. If he couldn’t get it right the first 2 times, the 3rd time won’t be a
charm.
I will work with every City Councilor to resolve problems. They have a responsibility to
the city and the Mayor has a responsibility to include the Councilors in major decisions, such as
the budget.
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We continue to face tough economy times. As taxpayers we have incurred additional

expenses. We had a harsh winter and our city government failed again. At a staggering cost of
over $4 million, we still had problems. Emergency vehicles could not get to their destination,
parking bans were not enforced, and people couldn’t get out of their streets. How our city
responds to emergencies is important.
Economic Development
Although we are experiencing problems, Springfield has many advantages that need to be
developed. Springfield should be open for business. It’s unique location is one of our greatest
assets. A crossroad between Boston and New York, easy access to Connecticut and Vermont,
Springfield has two interstate highway systems, a train line, and a major bus line.

Public Safety and Crime
As your mayor, I believe my chief responsibility, is making sure that city streets are safe.
We must tackle the issues of gangs, drugs, and violence.
Springfield has received many grants and support. We need to analyze the use of those
funds and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

Education
As you know, education is an issue close to my heart. As a member of the Springfield
School Committee for the past seven years, I have fought for the families and staff who make up
this school district. My tenacity and my accomplishments are evident. One of my most
significant achievements was instituting the school uniforms. With hard work and a lot of
dialogue over several years, I incorporated the input of principals, teachers, families, and
churches to get it done.
We must offer an academically rigorous program of studies that meets the varied needs
and interests of our students. Our children deserve instruction from highly qualified teachers;
smaller class size; a diverse curriculum; and a safe, clean environment.
As a School Committee member, I have been a constant watchdog of the taxpayers’
money, insisting that it go into the classroom rather than into a top-heavy, over-paid
administration. As an at large School Committee member for the past 7 years, I was able to
effectively work on the School Department budget, which now totals $360 million. If I could do
that, you know, I can effectively handle a city budget of $200 million.
I’ll be a leader who is not afraid to protect the taxpayers’ money.

Collaboration and Coordination

Ever since I became an elected official, I have not changed. I am still the same woman I
was when I was first elected to the school committee. I have been honest and dealt with issues
with tenacity and integrity. I have been berated for not being a team player. In this city, a team
player is defined as going along to get along. I will not compromise my integrity for the sake of
politics.
Let me say one more time, I will not make promises that I cannot keep. My record
speaks for itself.
I am Antonette Pepe and I want to be your next Mayor.