Copyright MassLive
HOLYOKE — Holyoke will elect six at-large councilors from a field of nine candidates on Tuesday. One of those candidates is Patricia Devine, an experienced member of the board who once again is seeking to share her knowledge with the city. Ahead of Tuesday, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council seats to answer a short questionnaire. Find more candidates and responses in the past week’s print editions or online at masslive.com/topic/election. Name: Patricia C. Devine Age: A young 74 Address: 58 Magnolia Ave. Profession: Happily retired Position sought: City councilor at large Introductory statement: My first foray into running for election was as the Ward 6 city councilor from 1990 to 2000. I was fortunate that four of those two-year terms were unopposed. I decided again in 2006 and was elected at large for six years. When Joe McGiverin, Todd McGee and Peter Tallman decided not to run, I decided to run again, because the council was losing over 50 years of institutional experience. I felt I had that experience and ran at large in 2023 and was fortunate to be elected second. I am currently serving as the chair of finance, a member of the public safety committee and a member of the development and government committee. My previous work served me well, as I learned so much as an assistant business manager of the Office and Professional Employees Union Local 6 out of Boston. My main representation was Trial Court clerical employees from Westborough to North Adams (whew!). I retired 11 years ago from the Massachusetts State Lottery. Currently I am a member of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, being the first woman to apply for membership in 1987. Since that time, I was elected president in 1999 and was honored by being named the grand marshal in 2016. Question 1: What is the biggest problem in the city and how would you address it? I think the biggest problem in the city will be hunger and trying to feed Holyokers once SNAP benefits are gone Nov. 1. I would participate in food drives, especially those at City Hall, the library and Kate’s Kitchen. Question 2: The City Council always struggles to keep taxes low, while providing needed services and making advancements. How specifically will you balance the three? Keeping taxes low is certainly a priority. Last year, taxes were actually lowered, but the home values went up, thereby making it appear the taxes went up. I think we balance these three by watching our spending, keeping our talented employees. Question 3: The housing crisis continues to take a toll on residents and those who want to move to the city. How should the city attack the problem? I think the city has tackled housing, as all you need to do is drive around the city to see all the housing construction going on. We do, however, need to keeping rental housing affordable. Question 4: What types of development would you like to attract to the city and how would you do it? Holyoke should look for development that not only brings jobs, but brings taxes, as well.
