| springfieldmedia.com |
Lorenzo Gains, 37 of Northampton Avenue. Candidate for
State Representative from the 11th Hampden District.
State Representative from the 11th Hampden District.
On the last Saturday morning of May, I met
with Lorenzo Gaines, candidate for State
Representative from the 11th Hampden
District. The seat is currently held by
Benjamin Swan. Gaines, Swan and Chelan Brown
will square off in the Democratic Primary on
September 16th. The arranged interview took
place on State Street in the Mason Square
neighborhood.
springfieldmedia: Why are you running?
Lorenzo Gaines: "To bring about changes and
provide a new voice and fresh perspective."
While conducting the talk we stepped into
Wheeler's Convenience Store. Lorenzo
introduced himself to customers. He asked,
"Are there any issues I should know about?"
The replies included concerns about jobs, drugs
and youth killing each other. Gaines went into
well spoken replies about his positions and plans.
He informed one citizen of an upcoming summit
where adult males will meet with gang members.
with Lorenzo Gaines, candidate for State
Representative from the 11th Hampden
District. The seat is currently held by
Benjamin Swan. Gaines, Swan and Chelan Brown
will square off in the Democratic Primary on
September 16th. The arranged interview took
place on State Street in the Mason Square
neighborhood.
springfieldmedia: Why are you running?
Lorenzo Gaines: "To bring about changes and
provide a new voice and fresh perspective."
While conducting the talk we stepped into
Wheeler's Convenience Store. Lorenzo
introduced himself to customers. He asked,
"Are there any issues I should know about?"
The replies included concerns about jobs, drugs
and youth killing each other. Gaines went into
well spoken replies about his positions and plans.
He informed one citizen of an upcoming summit
where adult males will meet with gang members.
springfieldmedia: What are your qualifications?
Lorenzo Gaines: "I went on from being a high
school drop out to earning degrees from
Hampshire College and Columbia University.
That took tenacity. Hampshire College gave me
skills and discipline. Teaching at the High
School of Commerce provided me the ability to
understand problems first hand, in the
trenches. I gained insight into the concerns of
students, parents and teachers."
springfieldmedia: What are the major issues
of the campaign?
Lorenzo Gaines: "The economy, including green
collar jobs for urban youth. Restoring
constituent services. When they call me, I
guarantee I'll get back to them within 24
hours. That's very important. CORI Reform,
I believe the current CORI system oppresses
those who have paid their debt to society. I
support overhaul of the CORI system."
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record
Information.
Gains continued that another issue of the
campaign is the need for a comprehensive
master plan. He said he believes a plan should
be established to deal with crime, education
and quality of life issues.
Going further into economic issues, Lorenzo
suggested we could address the foreclosure
situation with better information and education
for the public on variable rate mortgages and
making sound financial decisions.
On gas prices, he expressed, short term relief
from high prices can be brought about by
freezing gas taxes. He offered as long term
solutions, more research and development of
alternative fuels and tax credits for drivers
purchasing hybrid vehicles.
In regards to gang violence, Lorenzo supports
the approach of 100 Black Men. He informed
me that this is a group that listens to youth
without those youth feeling challenged. In his
words, Gaines said, "...Breaking bread and
gaining trust." He also favors the turning in
and buying back of guns.
While we were having a general discussion about
Springfield and the district, Lorenzo stated,
"We need to find a new location for the Mason
Square Library, a plan is needed for
rehabilitating the old Firestone building and
redevelopment of the State Street Corridor
has to be conducive to small businesses.
In Part II Lorenzo speaks more on Springfield,
the campaign and what he will bring to the
table.
See Part II Below
Lorenzo Gaines: "I went on from being a high
school drop out to earning degrees from
Hampshire College and Columbia University.
That took tenacity. Hampshire College gave me
skills and discipline. Teaching at the High
School of Commerce provided me the ability to
understand problems first hand, in the
trenches. I gained insight into the concerns of
students, parents and teachers."
springfieldmedia: What are the major issues
of the campaign?
Lorenzo Gaines: "The economy, including green
collar jobs for urban youth. Restoring
constituent services. When they call me, I
guarantee I'll get back to them within 24
hours. That's very important. CORI Reform,
I believe the current CORI system oppresses
those who have paid their debt to society. I
support overhaul of the CORI system."
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record
Information.
Gains continued that another issue of the
campaign is the need for a comprehensive
master plan. He said he believes a plan should
be established to deal with crime, education
and quality of life issues.
Going further into economic issues, Lorenzo
suggested we could address the foreclosure
situation with better information and education
for the public on variable rate mortgages and
making sound financial decisions.
On gas prices, he expressed, short term relief
from high prices can be brought about by
freezing gas taxes. He offered as long term
solutions, more research and development of
alternative fuels and tax credits for drivers
purchasing hybrid vehicles.
In regards to gang violence, Lorenzo supports
the approach of 100 Black Men. He informed
me that this is a group that listens to youth
without those youth feeling challenged. In his
words, Gaines said, "...Breaking bread and
gaining trust." He also favors the turning in
and buying back of guns.
While we were having a general discussion about
Springfield and the district, Lorenzo stated,
"We need to find a new location for the Mason
Square Library, a plan is needed for
rehabilitating the old Firestone building and
redevelopment of the State Street Corridor
has to be conducive to small businesses.
In Part II Lorenzo speaks more on Springfield,
the campaign and what he will bring to the
table.
See Part II Below
Candidate Gains shakes the hand of Cameron Cox while
campaigning.
campaigning.
The interview lasted about an hour. It began sharply at 8 a.m. Lorenzo Gaines was on State Street and soon into full campaign mode. He was shaking hands, discussing issues and passing out literature. springfieldmedia: How will you as a freshman Representative serve the district, not having the years of experience and seniority of the incumbent? Lorenzo Gaines: "Energy and enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit willing to sit with colleagues and agree and disagree respectfully. I will bring back the money and be a strong advocate for the 11th Hampden District." Gaines continued, "I have done research , I know what the job entails and I am up to the task." He added, "I listen as I talk to people and I have shaken over 3000 hands." Lorenzo spoke of having first hand knowledge and concluded by saying, "I bring authentic presense." springfieldmedia: How will State Representative Gaines benefit Springfield? Lorenzo Gaines: "The Springfield delegation is strong. I will be an asset. I am articulate, passionate and committed to Springfield and it's citizens." The tone of the conversation was very optimistic about Springfield. Gaines mentioned that the city has Dom Sarno, a new Mayor, William Fitchet, newly appointed Police Commissioner, and soon a new School Superintendant, Alan Ingram. "There is a foundation for opportunity and positive, consistent change." Candidate Gaines believes Springfield can once again be a shinning gateway city. He cited as positive signs the development at the riverfront and opening of the Onyx Fushion. Lorenzo complimented the Flex Squad innovation of Mayor Sarno. On Community Policing , he said, "I support it." Gaines predicted that School Superintendent Ingram will, "stem the drop out and truancy rates and improve MCAS scores." He added, "A better educated work force will attract better businesses." The candidate had mentioned earlier his desire to see students prepared for green collar jobs. |
The environmental or "green" concept arose more than once during the talk. Gaines praised the ReStore, an establishment that sells salvaged house parts. "This saves a home owner money and saves capacity in our landfills." Lorenzo is upbeat about the chances of his campaign. "Look at the election of Dom Sarno and Deval Patrick and success of Barack Obama. That demonstrates voters are ready for change." Lorenzo Gaines will square off against incumbent Benjamin Swan and challenger Chelan Brown in the Democratic Primary, September 16. The deadline to register for voting in the primary is August 27. |
