Copyright MassLive
HOLYOKE — He served in the Corps. He served in the city in its classrooms. He served on city boards. And Howard Greaney still has more to give. The longtime public servant is seeking reelection to his at-large seat on Tuesday. 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. Howard Greaney Age: Over sixty Address: 351 Hillside Ave. Profession: Retired educator Position sought: Holyoke City Council at large Introductory statement: I am a retired educator from the Holyoke Public Schools. I served on the Holyoke School Committee for 4 years, and I am currently serving my fourth term as a Holyoke city councilor. I am a former Holyoke business owner, a parent and grandparent of four children and four grandchildren. I also served my country in the U.S. Marine Corps. I believe that trust, honesty and loyalty along with reason and common sense are mandatory requirements for all public officials. I will continue to support public safety and all necessary services for Holyoke residents. I will always respond to my constituents in a timely manner and address their concerns. A vote for me is in the best interest of Holyoke. Question 1: What is the biggest problem in the city, and how would you address it? Two problems in Holyoke that are prevalent are the outdated infrastructure and the financial problems that exist currently. I need all the data to make comprehensive decisions to resolve these issues. 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? The only way to solve and continue all our services is to do due diligence and prioritize critical services, such as police, fire and education. 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? The housing crisis in Holyoke greatly depends on federal subsidies. We also have to beautify existing housing to attract more interest in our city. Question 4: What types of development would you like to attract to the city, and how would you do it? We need to show our positive assets more effectively, such as our municipally owned gas and electric department, the Holyoke Water Power Co., and our beautiful reservoirs. We also need to properly enhance our lovely waterfront along the Connecticut River.
