Copyright MassLive
Controversy has been swirling around the Ward 1 race since School Committee member Joesiah Gonzalez announced he would challenge his former co-worker Maria Perez for the City Council seat she had held for two terms. In July the New North Citizens’ Council board announced in a press release that Perez, a 40-year housing program manager, had been fired for violating its political engagement policies. Perez has denied any inappropriate actions and is suing. Shortly after, Gonzalez was exposed by a fellow board member for orchestrating the creation of a press release that inferred the firing was over embezzlement accusations. The agency later rescinded the press release. Ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council and School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. The Republican is publishing the candidates’ answers to the questions online and in print. Find more candidates and responses at masslive.com/topic/election. Name: Joesiah Gonzalez Age: 28 Address: 136 Orchard St. Profession: Springfield School Committee member and chief operations officer at Home City Development Position running for: Springfield City Council Ward 1 I am who I am today because of my faith, community, and mom. Growing up, we were on public assistance and, at times, were homeless. My mom instilled in me the importance of hard work and giving back. I was born and raised in the city of Springfield, and I am a proud graduate of Springfield Public Schools. Today, I’m a girl dad, public servant, and member of the Springfield School Committee. I have been the driving force in passing safety policies for Springfield Schools and in the nonprofit sector, dramatically expanding programs for families and young adults in poverty by more than $5 million. I hold a master’s in business administration from Fitchburg State University, with a focus on management and organizational leadership. I’ll be the City Councilor accountable to you and committed to delivering results. What is the biggest problem in the city and how would you address it? Housing, Seniors, and Veterans: Families can’t afford to buy homes in places they grew up in like Brightwood and rents are skyrocketing all over Springfield. We need to stabilize rents, hold slum landlords accountable, and expand first-time homebuyer programs. I will fight for the people at City Hall. Seniors deserve to retire with dignity. As the City Councilor for Ward 1, I’ll lead on advocating for Springfield to cut property taxes for seniors and veterans. The City Council always struggles to keep taxes low while providing needed services and making advancements. How specifically will you balance the three? I will seek creative, innovative solutions to generate city revenue that do not place the burden on everyday families. One of those policy solutions that I would explore is the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, referred to as the PILOT, and ensure that we are only looking to do this with corporate tax-exempt entities that are multi-million dollar operations that can pay their fair share to ensure we can provide critical city services and make advancements. The housing crisis continues to take a toll on residents and those who want to move to the city. How should Springfield attack the problem? As Ward 1 City Councilor, covering downtown, Lower Liberty Heights, and the North End, I will collaborate with the city to redevelop abandoned, blighted properties. Since most land is occupied, we must rethink existing buildings and infrastructure to create affordable apartments and homeownership options. I am the only Ward 1 candidate with experience in significant housing developments who can deliver results. What types of development would you like to attract to the city, and how would you do it? Multi-use development with a housing component where small businesses can thrive and seniors, individuals, and families can have a place to call home. Historically, in Springfield, we have seen one over the other projects that strictly focus on affordable housing or projects that strictly focus on commercial use. Multi-use development meets the needs of small business owners seeking affordable space to start their businesses and everyday people looking for an affordable place to call home.
