Mayor Albano proud of legacy
The departing Springfield mayor cited city construction plans among his accomplishments since 1996.
By BEA O'QUINN
Staff writer
bdewberry@repub.com
SPRINGFIELD - As the City begins to prepare for a new administration, a new style of leadership and a new set of political priorities, Mayor Michael J. Albano has begun to pack. Photographs that once adorned the office mantel… Albano stood alongside such prominent political figures as President Bill Clinton, the late Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, have been removed.
Memorabilia and plaques have been boxed on the office floor.
“I think I'll be most remembered for the vibrancy of my administration.
For getting the job done, said Albano,52. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, being Mayor.”
As for regrets, Albano said he wished he had developed a citywide program for the homeless and tackled ongoing education problems such as underperforming schools.
Albano, who chose not to seek reelection has as served as Mayor since 1996 He was on the City Council from 1991 to 1995 and the School Committee from
1986 to 1990.
Mayor Charles V. Ryan Jr. who held the chief executive's seat in the 1960’s, defeated State Senator Linda J. Melconian in the November election for Mayor. Ryan will be inaugurated Jan 5.
Albano’s work as a public figure will continue, however in his ongoing effort to champion the purchase of lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. Springfield was the first city in the nation to adopt a Canadian drug plan for thousands of city employees and retirees. Despite warnings by the Food and Drug Administration, other cities have followed suit, including Boston and Burlington, Vt.
Albano has become the focus of national publicity for his effort, recently filming a segment of "60 Minutes" the weekly CBS television news show, to discuss the city's program. He has appeared on news talk programs on MSNBC, CNN and Nightline, among others.
All the positive attention focused on Albano has deflected some of the controversy over his final years in office due to an on-going FBI corruption probe.
Federal prosecutors have said indictments for civil rights violations are anticipated by Jan. 15 against former Police Commissioner Gerald Phillips.
Phillips and three others were charged with participating in a no-show job scheme at the Massachusetts Career Development Institute where Phillips was the $111,000-a-year director. Agents also have raided numerous city agencies and departments, including some at City Hall.
Albano called the probe exaggerated and said it has not sullied his term of office.
Rather, he lists a string of accomplishments
• Achieving eight consecutive years of a balanced budget
• Building or rebuilding 10 city schools
• Constructing and opening the new Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
• Reconstruction of the Civic Center and construction of the Convention Center
• Redevelopment of the river-front
• Establishing the arts and entertainment district
• Hiring more than 100 police officers.
Veteran City Councilor William T. Foley Jr. a 20-year council member said hiring 100 additional police officers was one of the Mayor's worst decisions.
He said the Mayor took too many risks with city coffers--Mike did have a vision for Springfield." Foley said. "My concern as a City Councilor was how much is (the vision) going to cost. No matter who the Mayor is, sometimes you get too caught up in that vision.
Albano considers hiring additional police and building schools among his best decisions.
At the time of Albano's election, the city's crime rate had escalated to a point where residents feared living here, and city schools were decrepit, Albano said.
“There was no greater high than cutting a ribbon for a new school," Albano said, noting the completion of the Edward P. Boland Elementary School, named after the late Congressman who served in office 36 years as a favorable memory.
As for hiring police, Albano said. "Literally, tears came to my eyes when we inducted the first class of 60 police officers in 1997."
With 65 percent of the city's budget dependent on state aid, City Councilor Angelo Puppolo said the Mayor should have been better prepared for the state's downturn.
"There were some missed opportunities along the way to put away some money and be a little more fiscally prudent." Puppolo said.
City Councilor Domenic J. Sarno complimented the Mayor, saying many of his decisions enhanced city life.
Sarno credited Albano's strong relationship with state and federal leaders as key to securing crucial funds needed for many economic developments.
State Rep. Thomas Petrolati D-Ludlow, said Albano had a favorable rapport with members of the State Legislature, including key leaders such as House Speaker Thom. Finneran. Petrolati said Albano was respected and considered a man of his word.
“Based on those relationships he gained a sense of credibility when looking for money for projects in Springfield." Petrolati said.
Albano said he has no plans at this time for a future in elected office
"Nothing has captured my attention," Albano said, still leaving the door open for any “unique opportunity.”
Albano's rule as a political player is hardly over.
He has begun handing out business cards for "Michael Albano and Associates," a political campaign and government related consulting firm on State Street in Springfield.
The firm will work with local, state and national political figures pursuing public office, he said after being prodded. Albano said he has one local client, although he declined to reveal names.
Albano said he also may return to teaching.
Prior to political office, while serving on the Massachusetts Parole Board, the Mayor worked as an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice at Springfield Technical Community College, Asnuntuck Community College and the University of Massachusetts.
Albano said his initial career aspiration was to teach. Many others could see he had a fascination with politics.
Albano recalled standing outside the Longmeadow Community House carrying a sign that read “John F. Kennedy for President" in 1960, at age 9.
At age 12, Albano supported Ted Kennedy in his first run for office, despite his father's support for opponent Edward J. McCormack, the State Attorney General who was a staunch labor advocate.
Entering politics may have been natural for Albano.
For years his father, John, a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination was loyal to politics and the labor movement. His father served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1960 and 1976 and held close family friendships with prominent political families such as the Kennedy's. Albano has fostered that relationship.
His mother, Mafalda 'Muffie" Albano, has been a fixture in Democratic Party politics in Hampden County for decades. An uncle was the late state Rep. James L. Grimaldi, who served in the State Legislature for 20 years, on the City Council for 12 years and ran unsuccessfully for mayor five times.
