Kevin A. Jourdain is campaigning for reelection to the Holyoke City Council At-Large seat. He is one of nine candidates competing for six positions in the upcoming election.
Campaign Focus
Jourdain’s campaign emphasizes accountability and responsible governance. He criticizes Mayor Joshua Garcia for mismanagement and claims that residents are overtaxed. He positions himself as a watchdog for City Hall, advocating for the interests of Holyoke residents.
Candidate Background
- Name: Kevin A. Jourdain
- Age: 54
- Address: 18 Raymond Ave.
- Profession: Attorney at law
- Experience: Nearly 30 years on the City Council and former president for six years
Jourdain has a robust educational background, holding a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, a master’s degree in business administration, and a Juris Doctor degree.
Key Issues Addressed
In a recent interview, Jourdain outlined several critical issues facing Holyoke:
Fiscal Mismanagement
He identifies fiscal mismanagement by the mayor and his appointed treasurer as a primary concern. Jourdain advocates for a qualified treasurer, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper financial oversight.
Taxation
Jourdain criticizes the City Council for increasing taxes by 19% in the last four years, urging for reductions in excessive spending. He believes Holyoke needs more state aid to avoid burdening residents with high taxes.
Housing Crisis
Regarding housing issues, Jourdain suggests improved partnerships with developers to revitalize vacant lots. He calls for state investment in infrastructure to support housing development and maintain affordable tax rates.
Development Plans
Jourdain criticizes the current city planning efforts, particularly regarding the proposed Elmwood Forest sports complex. He advocates for utilizing the old Kmart Plaza or downtown for development to create manufacturing jobs and improve local employment.
Conclusion
Kevin A. Jourdain aims to continue his service on the Holyoke City Council. His candidacy focuses on addressing core issues like fiscal responsibility, equitable taxation, housing solutions, and effective development strategies, making a case for his reelection.
