The clock is ticking....

I am shocked that State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Ben Swan are holding up a bill that will extend the state loan repayment to 15 years. This extension, as reported by the Republican will save the residents of Springfield 7 Million dollars a year. God knows that in this shaky financial times Springfield needs all the help it can get. I find State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Ben Swan actions irresponsible. Political differences are fair game, but to use this critical issue, one that will have serious ramifications to the residents of Springfield as a political football is a true disservice to the residents of Springfield. Cheryl Coakely-Rivera is accusing the Mayor of wasteful spending by hiring city employees and consultants. Ben Swan is blaming the Mayor for the recent contract termination with the Springfield Towing Alliance. While the bickering and accusations are exchanged, the time is clicking for Springfield to repay the state loan....

I foresee, that if Springfield is forced to repay the loan next year as originally stipulated, and with the expected local aid reduction looming over our heads, Mayor Sarno will have no choice but to engage in a series of lay offs. This will be catastrophic to the residents of Springfield.

State Rep. Rivera-Coakely and Swan will be directly responsible for every job lost.