I grew up in Springfield and attended its schools. It was a wonderful city growing up. The demise of my home town has been attributed to a combination of sources: economics, lure of the suburbs, and the malls. I believe that Mayor Sarno is a devoted civil servant who has given his all to resurrect a struggling metropolis. The lure of MGM’s baubles, bangles, and beads is inviting as the solution of the city’s problems. Unfortunately, I suspect that MGM’s motive lies more in cash receipts rather than improving the quality of life. I urge the citizens of Springfield to think through this important vote very carefully. In my soul, I truly believe it is a replay of the Trojan Horse tempting an inquisitive Troy. Beware!
Just a quick heads-up. I received a phone call the other night and the caller ID said they were calling from Atlantic City, New Jersey. For a limited time of two weeks and only in my area, if I had any concerns I could have my water tested. It was a recording and I didn’t respond but it seemed rather odd seeing as we just had an issue with the water in Westfield. A Water Departments spokesperson said that the office has received a few calls inquiring about the offer and said that the call is probably a marketing ploy but is not related to the recent boil order.
For years I’ve been trying to get educated on what’s going on in the city and stuff, and I’m reading about the PILOT for the city for the lights and all that. I for one don’t know what the PILOT is, what it means, how it comes, and there’s – you know all these things that are in here, the formula and the PILOT, I don’t know what them are, the plant went up $6 million – what plant? I don’t know what none of all these are if you could tell me. I might be stupid or naive, I don’t know. But I’m trying to learn and keep up with the city and learn more. Please don’t send me to the computer because I don’t have one. That’s all. Thank you. PILOT is an acronym for Payment In Lieu Of Taxes. So instead of paying taxes to the city, another method of payment is used. That’s where the formula comes in – it’s used to calculate that payment. The plant is the land, buildings, and equipment used by the Westfield G&E to process and deliver gas and electricity to customers.
