Here is your check back...What??

Photo by Victor Davila

I recently received my vehicle excise tax bill. As many other people in the city, I didn't have the full amount to send in right away. So, what did I do? No, I didn't pull a State Rep. Ben Swan move and pretended that I didn't have a civic responsibility to pay my taxes !! I send the city a partial payment. A couple of days later, I received the check back with an explanation that the city could not credit partial payments. What!! I send the City money and they wouldn't take my money?? I put this annoyance in the back burner and a few weeks later I called the agency in charge of tax collection for the City of Springfield, Deputy Tax Collectors based in Milford, Ma. After, a series of questions to the clerks, I got a snotty, Who are you, are you a reporter? I promptly answered, no, I am a tax payer inquiring why the City of Springfield is not taking my money. After being placed on hold for a few minutes(which seemed to be forever ) the clerk came back with a miraculous new attitude. The clerk emphasized to me several times that the reason the city couldn't take my money, was because it was the law. Oh, boy what an explanation!! I reminded the clerk that just because it is the law, it is not necessarily a good law, or that it makes sense. I posed this question to the clerk. Would you rather a million dollars today or a year from now. The clerks answer? That's right, the clerk answered, I rather have a million dollars now. AHHH, exactly my point. Money has time value. A million dollars today is not a million dollars a year from now. Interest rates, inflation, consumer confidence are among some factor that affect money flow.This law doesn't make any sense to me. The City of Springfield could be using partial payments to swell the city's revenue and help to improve or expand city services. In the meantime, I will have to send in the whole amount. Really, I will.

Adios Rudy

Photo by Laura Victoria Burke

Mayor Rudy Giuliani, America's Mayor, came in third place during Florida's GOP primary elections. Giuliani capture roughly 15% of the Floridian vote. Maverick Senator John McCain won the primary race with approximately 36% of the vote and Mitt Romney capture roughly 31% of the vote. According to media outlets Giuliani is set to quit the race and throw his support behind Sen. McCain. The Hispanic vote in the Florida elections proved to be a highly sought price. All candidates appeared in the Spanish station of Univison claiming to be the right candidate for the job. Among the Florida Hispanic community, Sen. McCain captured roughly 50% of the Cuban vote and 51% the Non-Cuban Hispanic vote. So, what does this say about the Hispanic vote? For one thing, it says that not all Hispanic think alike. Second, that Hispanics continue to be socially conservative. One of the paramount issues among the older exile Cuban community is US-Cuban relations. Advocating for nearly complete isolation for Cuba and any other tool necessary to bring down Fidel Castro's government. According to an univision article, Cuba is not the front and center issue among second and third Cuban generation. The Cuban community has had a long and arduous road in front of them and need to be admire as the pinnacle of the American Dream. I am positive that Giuliani's liberal social views send him packing in Florida. The severe distrust among the Hispanic community with the Democrats should awaken the Republicans to pay more attention tot eh Hispanic vote.

Hillary Clinton Stumps in Springfield

Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in Springfield at the Springfield College Blake arena. Hillary addressed the crowd of approximately 3,000 people. There were several hundred people outside that were not able to get into the arena. There were people complaining of waiting outside for hours just to be turned away at the last minute. Several people suggested that the event should of been held at the Mass mutual center. Hillary made the theme of health care, ending the war in Iraq and rebuilding the middle class the center of her campaign message. Pretty safe topics in this Democratic Bastion state. However, as Hillary was blowing her own horn in Springfield, Sen Edward Kennedy, D-Mass was in Washington endorsing Barack Obama for President. After the event, I went to school to find many people discussing Hillary's visit to Springfield. The consensus was that Massachusetts had suddenly become a battle ground state for its 6 delegates. Of course, Hillary's visit to Springfield comes as no surprise. Her visit was probably for strategic reasons. No only is the State up for grabs, but there are the neighboring states of Connecticut and Maine. I would not be surprise at all if Obama makes a visit to Springfield or Massachusetts's to, at the very least, keep up the pressure on Hillary. Actually, Obama has been doing well in fundraising in Western Massachusetts with approximately $3 million Dollars raised and has tapped the endorsement of Gov. Patrick. As I stood in line, I saw a procession of local officials parading their way to pay homage to Hillary. They all were shining and in an excellent mood. Stay tune as we will examine the Hispanic impact on Presidential elections.

Gov. Patrick names Latina to Commonwealth Service Board.

Gov. Patrick has named Waleska Lugo de Jesus to oversee the Commonwealth Service Board. Mrs. Lugo is membership director at the Springfield YMCA. The Commonwealth Service Board is a pilot program under the Massachusetts Service Alliance charged to create programs to encourage volunteerism. The pilot program has a price tag of about 3 Million dollars. I am proud to see that a Latino woman has been taped to join this board. I am also concern with the high price tag that this program bears. Volunteers will get stipends and help with health benefits. But wait a minute if you get something in return, that is not volunteering.!!! Do not get me wrong, volunteering is an important civic duty. Volunteering creates a sense of community and a sense of pride that all communities could benefit from. But I do not believe that throwing money into it might be the right answer.If this program proves to be successful, ways to reign in the price tag need to be explore.

Sarno stand up to The Republican

I have been meaning to post this before but believe me that I have been having a heck of a week. I won't bore you with the details but I will tell you that I locked myself out of the house and locked myself out of the car both in the same day !!! Oh sure, like you have not locked yourself out before !!! Any ways, lets get to business.

Mayor Sarno has shown that he can not be easily intimidated. The Republican recently ran an Editorial piece asking Mayor Sarno to exclude himself from the selection process for a new Police Commissioner in the city. Sarno made no secret of his support for now Acting Commissioner Fitchet during his Mayoral Campaign. The people elected Sarno and by inference approved his vision and leadership for the City. So, this begs the question, Why is The Republican running this story? I can speculate all I want but the reality is that only The Republican knows its true motives. The media is a powerful and necessary tool in maintaining a stable democracy and helps to air improper and questionable activities in government, in fact I refer to the media as the "fourth branch of government". Make no mistake about it ,the media has a powerful effect. but they do not get to set the agenda nor decide who gets elected. I applaud Mayor Sarno's courage in stating his displease with the editorial ran by The Republican.


Who ever gets chosen as the New Police Commissioner needs to be keenly aware of the idiosyncrasy of the city. In particular needs to properly establish a working relationship with the "minority" communities: (God do I hate that word "minority" this implies that I am less than, I am equal to any other person)


Read Sarno's letter below:

I am compelled to respond to The Republican's Jan. 18 editorial, "Commissioner search not over yet, is it?" calling on me to recuse myself from the selection process for the next police commissioner because I stated my support for Acting Commissioner William J. Fitchet before the process even began. The editorial also put into question my integrity and ethics in participating in this process. What is clear to me is that the newspaper is either out of touch with the needs of our community or is unaware that the mayoral campaign ended in November. I have stated in my announcement for mayor and in my inaugural address that a Sarno administration will serve the city and its citizens with the highest level of integrity and ethics. That is a commitment I made to our citizens and will be maintained by my actions. In my opinion, crime is the number one problem facing our city. The campaign debate and political rhetoric must end. The time for leadership and governing must begin. I believe it was a mistake in the first place to select Edward A. Flynn, an outsider to Springfield, over Acting Commissioner Fitchet, who is a Springfield native. After 19 months since selecting the last commissioner, it made no sense to me to undertake a new prolonged selection process. The Republican editorial accurately points out Fitchet's 34 years of dedicated service; experience in police work; and his knowledge of our community. We need stable leadership in place to win this war on crime. Even former Mayor Charles V. Ryan voted against undertaking a new selection process because he knew the right man for the job was Fitchet. Unfortunately, the Finance Control Board, on a 3-2 vote, decided to undertake a new selection process. I would also like to point out that in other cities, the history of control boards is such that their responsibility is limited to the management and oversight of municipal finances. It is unprecedented that a control board, like the one in place in Springfield, be empowered with control of the hiring of personnel. Even the Springfield Finance Control Board's own ordinance of August 2005 provided that "the mayor alone has the authority to appoint the police commissioner." Fitchet was the right man before Flynn and is still the right man to lead the Springfield Police Department. That is not a question of my integrity or ethics. It is simply a fact based on experience and leadership ability.





Mayor DOMENIC J. SARNO, Springfield

Council Meeting on the Merryl Lynch Issue

On Monday, I attended the City Council meeting to speak and hear the Council on the Merryl Lynch Issue. Read my comments to the council below. The meeting started with Council President Bud Wiliams reminding Councilor Ferrara and the rest of the councilors to speak withing the parameters of the resolution introduced by Councilor Ferrara, as the Law Department felt that any comments outside of this parameter could be used in court. Council president Williams reminded the Council that the Merryl Lynch issue is under review by the Attorney General, The IRS and at the Federal Level. There will be a Control Board meeting this Thursday, with all the appropriate city officials on this issue at 11am at City Hall. After introducing the resolution, which called for $50,000 to be allocated to an independent Investigator to inform the Council on the specifics and the facts of this issue, several councilors felt that it will be best for the council to wait for the results of the investigation being conducted by Attorney General and the State and Federal Offices. Councilor Rooke reminded the Council that keeping the Council in the dark as it was being done was an insult to the Council Board and called, if the resolution failed, to have a three member committee appointed by the council. The Council took no action on Rookes proposal. Councilor Moriarty motioned to have the resolution send to committee, " in case we need it at a later time." Both the motion to send the resolution to Committee and the resolution itself were defeated. Read below to see how each Councilor voted.

It worries me that the City Council, as they claim, is being kept in the dark. After all, I believe that the City Council has a Fiduciary obligation to the people. I do not like the idea of having to spend money on an independent investigator, but the stakes are too high not to appoint one. I endorse the concept of an independent investigator for these reasons. How can the city loose 13 Million Dollars and no one noticed? I know hat any prudent investors keeps an eye on his investment. Who was watching this investment? Furthermore, Why is the City investing 13 Millions, when that money or some of it could have been used to retain or improve city services? As this issue moves forward, there are more questions than answers.

How each Councilor Voted;

On the Motion to send resolution to Committee // On the Resolution

Rooke - Yes / Rooke - Yes

Moriarty - Yes / Moriarty - No

Tosado - No / Tosado - No

Ferrara - Yes / Ferrara - Yes

Foley - No / Foley - No

Markey - No / Markey - No

Williams - No / Williams - No

Walsh - No / Walsh - No

Stebbings - Absent / Stebbings - Absent

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Comments to the Council.

Good Evening ladies and Gentleman.

My name is Victor Davila from the Forest Park Section of the City.
I am extremely concern with the city’s loss of 13 Million Dollars invested in Merryll Lynch. According to the paper yesterday, The city began losing money back in August of last year. Honestly, I would like an explanation of how it is possible that the city loses 13 Million Dollars and no one noticed !!!
City Officials seem to be tight lip about this issue. I strongly urge this council to use every tool legally available to you to inquire how we lost this money.
This unfortunate event proves to be a good catalyst to bring a desperate new and efficient communication among city departments.
With events like this we can rest assure that the control board will not be leaving any time soon.

Thank you.

The Merryl Lynch Investment FIASCO

I do not know about you, but I am getting ready my chopping block. We have heard through the news the claim that Springfield's 14 Million investment with Merrill Lynch dwindled to 1.2 Million after being invested in the volatile sub-prime market. Now, City Councilors are heroically calling for a full accounting of the investment dealings. Merrill Lynch claims that Springfield officials reviewed and approved the investments. If this is true in fact, some heads ought to roll. How in he world, for lack of more proper descriptive words, can this happen? If this is true, which will inevitably come to the light, the elected officials, if any ,that were involved ought to spare the citizenry, and resign their elected positions. Hello, we are just starting to recover from an almost bankrupt city government and they make this awful decision on our behalf? Furthermore, this case proves that there has to be better communications between city agencies and elected officials. After all, elected officials are entrusted to ready the ship and chart a steady course for the city. I will be keeping my eye on this FIASCO. !!!!

Tution Break for Illegal Immigrants

In an address to education and business leaders, Gov. Patrick unveiled details to unilaterally implement measures that would afford illegal immigrants in state tuition. Apparently, Gov. Patrick wants to join other states that have similar measures. There is debate of whether this measure will result in an revenue increase or revenue loss to the state. According to some estimate the state could lose $15 Million in order to provide the tuition cut. However, The Massachusetts Tax Payer foundation claims that there will be a $2.5 Million increase in revenue. This issue promises to be a hot button issue among the leaders of the house. The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition has been actively lobbying the leaders on this issue.

During my dinner break, I asked some of mt co-workers how they felt about the issue. The conversation quickly turned to ideology lines.
"Why not, they live here they should be able to pay the same in state tuition", others said ; "They need to be here legally before they can benefit from our services, besides it will be rewarding illegal behavior, they are here illegally", were many of the comments exchanged.

It bothers me that immigrants, often times for economic reasons, are forced to leave their homes and venture amidst dangerous circumstances to an unfamiliar land to them. Most of the undocumented immigrants that I have met are decent hard working people, often times working for peanuts and a good number of them pay taxes !!! As long as there is corruption and social injustice in Latin Countries and Third World Countries, immigrants will continue to flock to other lands, particularly the U.S. On the other hand I fully understand that we need to ensure the well being, on all aspects, of our residents first. On this, I look at the analogy of a mother. A mother makes sure that the children are taken care of first before caring for others. If the State really wants to face the rise of undocumented immigrants in the state, they would go after the employers that knowingly hire undocumented workers. This is a necessity, particularly in the current circumstances where terrorism is always a breath away. However, in this case the undocumented immigrant will be paying for a service, for an Education. True, even if they complete their education they can not work, due to their illegal Immigrant status. But at least, they have a good education to take to their homeland in case they are deported. Let us be realistic, it is impossible to remove all undocumented immigrants. An educated person, regardless of their immigration status, is an asset to society.

Sarno Sworn in as Mayor

Well, It is official. Domenic Sarno is now our 54th Mayor. Sarno surprised a lot of people by pulling a campaign victory over incumbent Mayor Charles V. Ryan. Mayor Ryan showed a lot of statesmanship by attending Sarno's inauguration. Sarno's priority points include,

1. Public Safety - -Will seek to add 50 new police officers to the Police Department.
-Implement the latest in police technology.
-Install strong and effective leadership in the Police Department.

2. Education - -Install Strong and effective leadership in the School Department.
-Increase parental involvement.
-Bring accountability to the School Department,

3. Economy and Jobs - Capitalize in the Union Station project and the Crane Property in Indian Orchard.
- expand the Tax base through economic development.

4. City Services - - Eliminate the Trash fee.
- Modernize city government.

5. Environment - - Designate a municipal office to manage the city's environmental initiatives.
- reduce energy consumption.

Sarno admitted that he has developed an ambitious agenda. The city can definitely improve on these five dimensions. I am concern however, with Sarno's insistence of transferring the review Board's Coordinator duties to new chief of Staff Dennis Jordan. I am sure that Mrs. Jordan is a capable individual, but this injects politics into a process that is suppose to be neutral. What do you think? Take a quick moment and cast your opinion on my Blogg poll to the lower left.
Sarno does bring a new level of energy to the city. As blogger Tom Devine noted; " He can not be allowed to fail. Springfield can not afford a failed mayoralty at this point. "
Let us give Mayor Sarno an honest shot at running the city. If he screws up, then we elect some one else. To read Sarno's inaugural speech click here.

Feliz Dia de Reyes

Victor Davila dressed as Gaspar (one of the Three Kings )


As a child I rember all the excitement and the anticipation of the Tres Reyes Magos ( Three Kings ). Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltasar are their names. I left them, as is tradition, milk and cookies and for the Camels we left out hay. The next morning all the presents were laid out for us. How wonderful it was. On the Three King feast day. there are many celebrations, friends and family come to visit and there is good food to enjoy. Keeping with the effort to maintain our Hispanic culture, and to promote the library system,the Friends of the Libray, of which I am a board member, sponsored the Three Kings at the Brightwood library. A total of 81 people came in to the library to see the Three Kings. What really surprised me was ha there were not only Hispanic children but also there were Russian and Vietnamese children that came in to see the Three Kings. I was really proud of being able to share my Hispanic culture with others. The Librarian, Mrs. Haydee Hodis was wonderful and very helpful. The story of the Three Kings has biblical foundations. After the birth of Jesus, 12 days later Three Wise men came from afar guided by the North Star. They sought the King of Kings. They brought gifts of royalty. Gold, incense and Myrrh. Gifts reserved only for the royalty. this biblical Scene is among the first to tell us of Jesus divinity as the SON of GOD.

Feliz Dia de Rayes !!!

The Three Kings giving candies to the Children.

The coolest Three Kings

Left - Right Jose Cruz, Victor M. Davila ( My Dad ) , Victor G. Davila

Education Task force meets at Forest Park Library

Intrepid Educator Mrs. Regina ( in Green ) leading the Education Task Force Meeting

Today I attended the meeting of the Educational Task Force put together by Mayor-elect Dominic Sarno. The meeting was held in the library's community room. There were about 12 people all together to express their ideas and input on the city's school department. The meeting was led by the intrepid retired educator Mrs. Regina. There was some discussion about the lack of serious progress in the schools, how the school system can better meet the needs of the Somalia population and I discussed ways that the school system can better attract young professionals into the teaching positions. I am just finishing my double bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics. Often times I hear from potential teachers when asked of they would like to teach in Springfield a quick response, " Are you Nuts with all the problems and the difficult population". This saddens me, as I know that the children of the City of Springfield are children like every other. they need love, discipline and structure. I Suggested that in order to combat the negative image that potential educators have of the Springfield School System to offer incentives to attract and retain young educators. Young educators should be offered a sign on bonus and offered some sort of housing incentive if they stay in the system for a number of years. This will help retain the teachers and help create a sense of community. The housing incentive could be modeled as the incentive offered a while back for police officers that bought houses in high crime areas.

Childrens Visiting the Forest Park Lbrary After School