Springfield City Council needs a new and independent voice, and we will have an opportunity to add that voice by voting Callee Ackland into office this November.

Ackland brings a different background and perspective to the council. She would be the only veteran on Springfield City Council (U.S. Navy), and she serves on the Springfield Planning Commission, giving her direct experience with city government, land-use decisions and development issues.

More importantly, you know where Ackland stands.

Take data centers. Ackland doesn’t waffle. She has a clear position (she is against them locating in Springfield) and says what she believes.

People can agree or disagree with her, but they don’t have to wonder where she stands.

She isn’t mealy-mouthed about what she believes, which on the Springfield City Council would be a refreshing difference. We need more straight talk in local government because they too often make huge decisions with our tax money in as quiet a fashion as possible.

Ackland would also bring a younger perspective to the council. She would be the only councilor under 40, and she works for an hourly wage. Springfield is a working class town, yet our City Council looks very different from the community they represent. They are largely managers, retirees or business owners.

There is another issue that matters to me: When nearly every vote is unanimous, it’s fair to ask whether Springfielders are getting the debate, tough questions and the independent thinking they deserve. Democracy is not about rubber stamps.

That doesn’t mean being difficult for the sake of being difficult. It means being independent and having a healthy debate and collaborating about big decisions.

I hope that you support Callee Ackland’s campaign so that we have an independent and clear voice that Springfield needs and deserves.

Jim Cupples
Springfield