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Jesse Lederman, a community activist and University of Massachusetts student, is a candidate for an at-large seat on the Springfield City Council.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

SPRINGFIELD — Jesse Lederman, a community activist and University of Massachusetts student, formally announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on the City Council Wednesday night at the Red Rose Restaurant, attended by approximately 125 supporters.

"I'm running for the City Council At-Large because I believe that every resident deserves a City Councilor they can count on," Lederman said, in a prepared release. "I have been proud to call Springfield home my entire life. I am proud to be a product of our public schools, and proud to have built a life and record of service revolving around our community."

Lederman, 19, of 22 Clarendon St., is a former neighborhood council member as well as a member of the Springfield Preservation Trust Board of Directors, and the Springfield Armory Alliance.

He also serves on the Springfield Democratic Committee, and the Governing Board of The Springfield Renaissance School, of which he is a graduate.

Lederman attended George Washington University in Washington D.C., and is completing his degree at UMass in Amherst.

"I've had the opportunity to work across our city in many capacities," Lederman said.

The 13-member council consists of eight ward seats and five at-large seats, with all seats on the fall election ballot.

Lederman's experience includes working as a professional organizer for local and statewide candidates.

"I see the passion and pride residents feel for their neighborhoods, and the potential in each one," Lederman said.

Lederman was introduced by Ward 4 City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs, who endorsed his candidacy.

"I've known Jesse Lederman for six years," Twiggs said in a prepared release. "I've met a lot of elected officials, and Jesse Lederman has done more in six years than many of them do in a lifetime. He is ready for the City Council."

Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards and Ward 1 City Councilor Zaida Luna were also present to endorse Lederman.

"This is a young man who's heart is invested in Springfield, I've seen it first hand," Edwards said. "He will bring that passion and dedication with him to the City Council."

Luna said Lederman "will represent every neighborhood, and I look forward to working with him on the City Council."

Lederman pledged to address public safety, economic development, and constituent services if elected.

"I will advocate for a return to Community Policing as well as civilian oversight of the Police Department through a Police Commission" said Lederman.

Lederman states that that community policing restores trust in community-police relations, and that a Police Commission would ensure both that officers are treated fairly and citizens voices are heard.

In addition, Lederman said there "is a need for economic development throughout Springfield's 17 neighborhoods, and for protecting small businesses as new industry comes to the city."

"A healthy economy includes all of our neighborhoods" Lederman said, pledging to work towards strengthening Neighborhood Council's in Springfield.

"Neighborhood Council's should be the first stop for developers looking to invest in our city," he said.

Lederman said he will conduct listening sessions throughout the city's eight wards in the campaign and if elected.

"A re-commitment to constituent services is paramount to ensuring a local government

that works for all." Lederman said.

He said his activism has included fighting against a proposed biomass in East Springfield, as well as his fight to restore the Mason Square branch library.

"I'm asking the people of Springfield to do more than just vote for me. I'm asking them to count on me." Lederman said.

Lederman's website is at www.CountOnJesse.com/.