SPRINGFIELD — During the ceremony in which Jesse Lederman was sworn in as City Council Speaker, he announced the development of four new task forces to address issues related to neighborhood quality of life, digital equity, the creative economy, and tourism, and the development of the workforce within the city.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us this year,” Lederman said. “Some might call our ambitious agenda. I call it necessary and achievable. I have seen firsthand the positive impact that can result when we come together in good faith to address issues affecting our community. And I know that we will do it together in 2023. Let’s get to work.”
The Neighborhood Quality of Life Task Force, chaired by District 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan, will meet to provide legislative, policy and fiscal recommendations to the City Council to improve day-to-day conditions in the city’s neighborhoods.
The Internet Access and Digital Equity Task Force, chaired by District 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton, will work to develop a digital equity plan for your community.
The Creative Economy and Tourism Task Force will work to provide recommendations on how the city can best support local economic development across the city. This working group will be chaired by City Councilor Sean Curran.
The fourth task force, titled Task Force on Labor and Workforce Development, chaired by District 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards, who also serves as Vice President, will advocate for compensation, benefits and opportunity. for working families in the city through legislative and policy recommendations.
“In the coming weeks, I will announce the application process for members of the public to submit their names and be considered for joining these working groups,” Lederman said. “We will work with each president to make the appointments.”
Lederman also appointed two special committees, including the American Bailout Act Oversight Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Tracye Whitfield, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund Oversight Committee, chaired by District 1 Councilwoman Maria Perez.
The purpose of the American Bailout Act Oversight Committee, according to Lederman, is to ensure better oversight over the distribution of cash allocated to the city, such as the $123 million in American Bailout Act funds.
Lederman said the purpose of naming these four task forces and two special committees is to involve more residents in the work of local government and to bring the City closer to the community it serves.
Edwards, who was officially reinstated as Vice President of the City Council at the event, expressed his passion for serving the citizens of Springfield.
“I am still in love with my birthplace, the great city of Springfield, Massachusetts,” Edwards said. “I am eager and honored to continue my service, I have learned to be more humble, patient and listen more. Thank you and may God bless us all.”
Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Driscoll, who has a week of community service planned for multiple entities across the state, along with Governor-elect Maura Healy attended the inauguration of Lederman and Edwards.
Translated by Damaris Pérez-Pizarro