Born and raised in Springfield, I vividly remember downtown thriving in the 1960s. And then its subsequent march to death in the early ’70s. That situation stained the entirety of our city for decades.

Then about 20 years ago, we started electing and recruiting people who had a vision of what Springfield could ascend to with so many natural assets. And with that, things began to change.

Jill Cuadros is one of the most engaged, inquisitive and hardworking city leaders of whom I have known — and I have known many. Even though I do not always agree with her final decisions, I know that I would be challenged to debate them.

I have been on both sides of the political aisle since the age of 18, when I first registered to vote, so I give little weight to a local official’s party affiliation, as deeds and actions are the best measure of service and true representation. And I believe that Cuadros always strives to represent and balance the needs and desires of all Springfielders.

My hometown is lucky to have her devotion and energy in the mission of furthering our fair city’s recent exponential success, and that’s why I am voting for Jill Cuadros for Springfield City Council.

David Schmunk
Springfield