A Certified Candidate
Good morning Springfield!
On Thursday, March 4th I held a virtual Campaign Kickoff to speak with friends, supporters, and members of the Springfield Community about my vision for Springfield. More then two dozen attendees took a half hour of their time to meet with me, and I gained valuable perspective from well wishers across the city (and the country!)
Attendees of the Latorre III Committee Virtual Kickoff - March 4th, 2021
During the weekend of March 7th & 8th, I again safely canvassed the city, collecting signatures to be a certified candidate on the Primary Ballot on September 14th. I participated in a number of hour long conversations with City residents, where we discussed the core issues that will define this campaign - the COVID-19 recovery, public safety, and economic development.
By the end of the weekend, I had reached the minimum number of signatures required to be certified to be on the ballot. Many thanks are owed to campaign volunteers who safely canvassed to allow me to obtain close to 150 signatures!
Over the weekend we also hit an important fundraising milestone - over $2,000 raised towards the cost of our campaign. These contributions are critical to sharing my message in every neighborhood in Springfield, so THANK YOU! If you are able, please click here to make a contribution to the campaign online.
During the week of March 10th, I spoke with more than a dozen city residents about my campaign. Among those conversations:
I spoke with the leader of a construction services firm in Springfield. We spoke of the importance of businesses to approach one another with integrity, and I shared the concept of "you can all win” - a leadership lesson I learned through the Boy Scouts. We also discussed the Responsible Employer Ordinance, and how the City Council could facilitate businesses meeting the mission of the REO by utilizing internships, fueled by high school students studying the trades.
I spoke with an insurance firm executive who moved their business to Downtown Springfield before the COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed considerations that any business must review before moving, and he shared key requirements to grow Downtown Springfield - access to parking, safe & bright walkways, and lower commercial real estate taxes.
Speaking to a resident of Sixteen Acres about public safety, we agreed that misconduct within the Police Department over the last ten years creates an opportunity for continued reform. Reform is taking place. For example, the adoption of body cameras locally, and legislation at the State level. Public Safety is a complicated matter that requires continuous listening to the concerns of every neighborhood in the city. However, I do not believe lasting reforms will come from a Consent Decree from the Department of Justice. Our problems are our own, and I believe I can help solve them.
The week culminated with the announcement on Monday, March 15th that I was the first candidate to submit enough signatures to be certified to be on the ballot! While this is a great achievement, I can promise you that the currently elected at-large councilors will have no trouble collecting their signatures. This is why every day, I work to engage with potential voters and earn their trust!
In the weeks ahead, I have dozens of meetings and calls set up to meet and speak with local civic associations, non-profits, and supporters about how my skills and experience will allow me to be an effective leader on the Springfield City Council. Please sign up to volunteer to learn more about how you can support the campaign!