West Springfield Launches Charter Review Committee

Published on April 09, 2025

West Springfield, MA:  The Town of West Springfield is pleased to announce the kickoff of its 2025 Charter Review Committee, convened in accordance with Section 8-1 of the West Springfield Home Rule Charter, which mandates a review every ten years.  The Committee held its organizational meeting on Monday, March 31, and is now beginning the formal review process. 

This year’s committee consists of seven members, including four appointees by Mayor William Reichelt and three Town Council appointees in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.  The Mayor’s appointees are former Mayor Ed Gibson, former Town Council President Kathy Bourque, Public Safety Commission Member Brian Harrington and resident Stephanie Gendron. The Town Council’s appointees are Town Council President Sean Powers, Councilor Anthony DiStefano and Councilor Jaime Smith.  President Sean Powers will serve as Chair of the committee, and former Council President Kathy Bourque will serve as Vice Chair. 

The Charter Review Committee has scheduled its initial meetings for the following dates:  Monday, April 14, Monday, April 28, and Monday, May 12.  All meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and take place in the Mayor’s Meeting Room at Town Hall, located at 26 Central Street, West Springfield. Meetings will be available for remote viewing via Zoom, and members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.  In addition to attending in person or virtually, residents are invited to share their thoughts and feedback by submitting written comments to the committee via email at charterreview@tows.org.  The West Springfield Home Rule Charter is available for public viewing here: ecode360.com/33005019. 

“Conducting a thorough review of our Town Charter is essential to ensuring our local government continues to serve the needs of our community effectively,” said Mayor Will Reichelt.  “I’m grateful to the diverse and experienced group of residents who have agreed to serve on this committee, and I look forward to the thoughtful discussions and public input that will guide this important process.”

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