Springfield Councilor Jesse Lederman Rolls Out Endorsements, Priorities for Third Term

At-Large Springfield City Councilor Jesse Lederman held a rally on Wednesday, September 29th with supporters from across the City of Springfield to announce a number of political endorsements from elected officials, labor unions, and community organizations.

Councilor launched his re-election campaign earlier this summer with a video announcement that has now been viewed over 5,000 times on social media. That video can be found on Facebook and YouTube.

“When I was elected in 2017 I pledged to build coalitions and relationships to deliver results for the people of Springfield. This event shows that we kept that promise and are well positioned to continue delivering results for every neighborhood by working together with colleagues in government at every level along with community organizations and residents across our city,” said Councilor Lederman.

Councilor Lederman highlighted his legislative and community accomplishments during his first two terms and discussed priorities for a third term including the establishment of a Springfield Housing Trust Fund to support development and rehabilitation of housing across the city and to promote homeownership, the construction of a high speed Municipal Fiber Internet Network to provide reliable and affordable internet to Springfield residents and businesses, the authorization of Community Choice Energy Aggregation to stabilize electricity prices and promote clean, renewable energy, and the establishment of a city-wide Anti-Litter Initiatives to clean up neighborhoods and business districts and employ youth.

Elected officials endorsing Lederman at the rally were:

Sheriff Nick Cocchi

State Senator Adam Gomez

City Council President Marcus Williams

School Committeewoman LaTonia Monroe Naylor

Former Sheriff Michael Ashe, State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, Former State Representative Benjamin Swan, and Register of Probate Rosemary Saccomani were not present at the event but have endorsed Councilor Lederman for re-election.

Labor Unions and Community Organizations endorsing Lederman include:

Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO

Massachusetts Nurses Association

United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1459

Carpenters Local 336

Ironworkers Local 7

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts

Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund

Massachusetts Sierra Club

Please see below for quotes from the rally speakers:

“I’m a loyal supporter of Jesse Lederman and I’m excited about the work he does in the City of Springfield. Jesse is a true partner in public safety, he understands the needs of the city, and he’s on the frontlines, ” said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi.

“Every time it’s time to fight for the people of Springfield, no matter what neighborhood, Jesse is there. There’s a difference between showing up to meetings and being a man of action – Jesse is a man of action and he finds a way to bring people together, to be transparent, and to get down to the bottom of things,” said State Senator Adam Gomez.

“This city is at a crossroads, and Jesse is right there at the front, making sure that the road we go down is full of quality of life, education, housing, low crime, air we can breath, and open space. Jesse is an honest man, simple as that. He puts serious thought behind every decision he makes and you know with Jesse that his votes are for betterment of our community,” said Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Hampden County Register of Deeds.

“My heart and passion is for children, and anytime that I have ever called Councilor Lederman about an issue concerning children, he is always there. He never tells our children no, and he’s there for our entire community. I will always support him because he always supports our kids,” said LaTonia Monroe Naylor, School Committeewoman At-Large.

“It takes conviction, commitment, and sacrifice to do the work of the people. From day one Jesse has been the individual to do what he says he will do, to live up to his commitments, and fight for those who sometimes don’t have a voice of their own,” said City Council President Marcus Williams.

“Councilor Lederman has proven to be a steadfast fighter for labor and Springfield’s working families. We know Jesse will be a voice for the people of Springfield, he’s accessible, and when he hears of an issue he proactively reaches out to receive our input. He is a candidate that embodies our values, and we need elected officials that will fight tooth and nail for Springfield families – that is Councilor Lederman,” said Ethel Everett, Board Member for the Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation.

“I’m proud to say we were the first union to ever endorse Jesse Lederman – it’s an endorsement we have never regretted. Jesse is truly a voice for the working men and women in Springfield. From attending rallies to walking the picket line, Jesse honestly cares about the workers and the struggles they face. We will continue to support him as we always have,” said Dean Ethier, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 1459.

“Jesse consistently and vocally supports MNA nurses. He has joined Mercy nurses in our actions and has stood in solidarity with us while we have been negotiating a contract that will improve conditions for nurses and our patients. When we have demanded that hospital owner Trinity Health truly recognize and value our contributions, Jesse has been by our side,” said Jaime Hyatt, a working nurse and member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

“Throughout his career Councilor Lederman has fought to protect reproductive rights, expand access to healthcare and education, and address inequities in order to build stronger and healthier communities,” said Taneisha Mings, Western Massachusetts Organizer for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.

“We’ve endorsed a lot of candidates of the years. I could not be prouder of an endorsement than the endorsement of Jesse Lederman for two reasons: character and compassion. His tireless work on wage theft and the REO stands up for the people with the least amount of resources to get help, and Jesse is there for them. We will be behind Jesse because Jesse stands up for people,” said Charlie Payne, Business Representative for Carpenters Local 336.