James Putnam II served as moderator during last night’s Meet the Candidates at the Southwick Town Hall. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Two candidates seeking election to the Board of Selectmen – Joseph Deedy and Marcus Phelps – fielded questions during a candidates forum last night.
Held at Town Hall, the bipartisan event was sponsored by the Southwick Republican Town Committee and reporters from The Westfield News and Southwick-Suffield News asked a series of questions to both men.
The hour-long program began with a coin toss and opening statements. Deedy, a Republican and member of the Planning Board and owner of Moolicious Farm Ice Cream, spoke about his background and why he wanted to win the seat.
“I believe in this country and I believe in this town,” he said. “Southwick is my home.”
Deedy said his roots are in Southwick, and after owning several successful businesses that helped him travel the country, he eventually settled back in Southwick and opened his business here.
His businesses have given him a knowledge of managing budgets.
“I know budgets,” he said. “I know wants and needs, and I know frivolous spending.”
Deedy was a member of the West Springfield Town Meeting while a resident there and after moving back to Southwick, he began serving on the Planning Board. Deedy called for change in town government.
“One of my biggest concerns is people have little to no confidence in their public officials,” said Deedy. “I want to restore their trust. I want to care for everyone in Southwick. I want to help everyone get a fair hearing of their concerns.”
Phelps, an Independent, offered a glimpse into his background, which included growing up in Southwick and pursuing higher education in New York and locally at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. After receiving his degree, Phelps joined the Navy where he held a command position, which was followed by a 30-year career with the U.S. Forestry Department.
After his retirement, Phelps served on the Southwick Conservation Commission and took a position as town planner in 2007. He retired last year and is now seeking election so he can continue serving his hometown.
Phelps said he spoke about his years in the Navy and in forestry to showcase his leadership and decision-making abilities.
The candidates responded to questions that covered such topics as what projects Southwick needs, the town’s preparation for emergency events, and whether or not the tax rate should be split.
Candidate for Southwick selectman Marcus G. Phelps answers a question during a Meet the Candidates session at the Southwick Town Hall, Thursday. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Phelps said he believes the next project Southwick should take on is affordable housing.
“It’s very difficult for a young family to come to Southwick,” said Phelps. “We need affordable housing, including accessory apartments for parents to live in or to rent.”
When asked what area of the budget they would cut if necessary, Phelps said the Department of Public Works topped his list. Deedy said it was not easy to choose and he would advocate to review all departments now in preparation of cuts.
“I think we’re going to have cuts, and I’d rather look at it way ahead of time,” said Deedy.
The question of transparency on the board came up and the candidates were asked how they would be an open member of the board.
Deedy said there would be times the members would not agree, but he planned to listen and make decisions “nicely.”
“I’m not always going to be right, and I’m okay with that,” he said.
Phelps said “It’s all about balance,” something he said he would bring to the table. He also noted that steps to be transparent have been taken with the availability of audio recordings of meetings on the town website.
The candidates were also asked their thoughts on the solar bylaw that will be up for a vote at Town Meeting. Both man agreed with the bylaw and said it was necessary to protect residents.
When asked what approach the town should take with regard to clearing snow from the new sidewalks on College Highway, the candidates agreed it is the responsibility of the property owners.
“I feel bad for the people on this road,” said Deedy, adding it was not the job of the town to clear the sidewalks when it does not clear any sidewalks other than on town-owned property.
Deedy said he does believe better equipment should be purchased to assist the town with its own clearing needs, and if there is three feet of snow, a pass could be made on the College Highway sidewalks to help out, but it should not be the town’s responsibility.
Candidate for Southwick Selectman Joseph J. Deedy reacts to a question during Thursday night’s Meet the Candidate session at the Southwick Town Hall. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Phelps also said the town should not clear the sidewalks but he said it should “facilitate a solution” in conjunction with business and property owners and the state.
Following questions from the panel, Town Moderator James Putnam asked for audience questions. Economic Development Commission Chairman Michael McMahon took the opportunity to ask what the candidates would do to get the board back to doing town business after being “quasi-paralyzed” this past year.
Deedy said the board is “a mess” but with Chairman Arthur Pinell not seeking re-election, the remaining members, as well as himself and Phelps, are “quiet” people. He said he does not plan to engage in the heated arguments that have taken place this past year.
Phelps said in his Forestry Department career, he often dealt with the Sierra Club and loggers – “polar opposites” – he said, who he was able to work with on compromises.
“I’m good at getting people to balance things and come to a consensus,” Phelps said.
Phelps’ closing statements included his favorite quote: “The world is run by those who show up.”
“On Oct. 9, 1944, I showed up,” he said. “I have continued to show up.”
Phelps, who touts himself as an independent voice, said he is what Southwick needs now.
Deedy closed by calling for support to restore confidence and trust in local officials by voting for him.
Both candidates thanked family members and those present at the forum.
