West Springfield Mayor Gregory Neffinger declines to reappoint David Partridge to Planning and Construction Committee

WEST SPRINGFIELD ? Mayor Gregory C. Neffinger earlier this week reiterated his intention of not reappointing David J. Partridge to the Planning and Construction Committee.

?I appreciate the work Mr. Partridge has done for West Springfield; I simply have a vision that is not shared by Mr. Partridge. Several members of the community have expressed an interest in getting more involved. This new interest gives us the chance to diversify participation among these residents,? Neffinger stated in a prepared statement issued by his office.

Partridge has criticized the mayor for not picking the architectural firm for the library building project that the committee had recommended. Asked if that is the reason for his action, Neffinger recently said that that is not ?directly? his reason.

The mayor said he plans to appoint Michael E. LaRiviere to take Partridge?s place on the committee, which has overseen the construction of major building projects in the city. Partridge?s term on the committee expired at the end of 2012 and he has been its most recent chair. Neffinger has said he will send LaRiviere?s name on to the Town Council, which has final say over the appointment.

Partridge, a civil engineer, has written to Neffinger asking that he be reappointed to the committee. In turn, Neffinger has responded by letter that he is amenable to appointing Partridge to another board or commission.

The mayor has said that LaRiviere, who is employed with Baystate Elevator Co. in Agawam, has experience in construction in his capacity with it and is well qualified to serve on the Planning and Construction Committee.

In the wake of Partridge?s criticism of the mayor bypassing the committee?s recommendation as to which architectural firm should design the library building project, the Planning and Construction Committee sought a legal opinion on what its role, if any, will be in the project.

Neffinger, who is an architect, has decided to take charge of the library project himself.

?The various committees outlined in the charter serve as advisory groups to the mayor and my staff,? Neffinger wrote in his press release. ? I value the diversity of our community, and appreciate the new people who are coming forward to volunteer. I fully plan to embrace new ideas as more people become involved. In the end, I am responsible to make decisions that I believe are in the best interests of West Springfield.?

Neffinger has said that in the coming weeks he will redirect the focus of the Planning and Construction Committee into reviewing city property and making recommendations to protect it.

Neither Partridge nor Neffinger could be reached for comment Thursday.

Source: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/01/west_springfield_mayor_gregory_17.html

pebble beach golf beverly hilton roland martin whitney houston dead at 48 whitney houston dead 2012 whitney houston passed away heartbreak hotel