It seems like such an innocuous, feel-good event for the city: a three-day, vintage car race in downtown Springfield, to celebrate both the city’s industrial heritage and the 375th anniversary of its founding. Where’s the controversy in that, you might wonder?
Well, just look at Friday’s Springfield Republican for the answer to that question. That day, reporter Pete Goonan wrote about organizers’ contention that City Hall is making unrealistic demands of event planners, in an apparent attempt to kill the event. Specifically, the organizers are balking at a requirement to provide a $300,000 performance bond to cover expenses incurred by the city, such a police details for the event.
“There has been roadblocks, hurdles and really unrealistic expectations,” Michael Hall, founder of the Springfield Vintage Grand Prix, told the paper. “People have to stop putting their personal agendas in front of the community. Yes, of course it’s politics.”
The Republican article circumspectly avoids specifying what those alleged political agendas might be, other than dropping this one oblique hint: “… City Councilor Melvin A. Edwards [is] among the key local organizers.” The implication, according to political gossip around the city: Mayor Domenic Sarno is passive aggressively trying to gum up the race planning because Edwards is supporting one of his rivals in this fall’s mayor’s race, Council President Jose Tosado.
Sarno called allegations that politics were at work “outrageous,” telling the Republican that he’s eager to have the event in the city, but that organizers haven’t given city officials necessary information. (The city Law Department is seeking written confirmation that the city will be protected financially and that organizers will take proper safety precautions.) “I cannot put the city, nor its residents, nor its business community in harm’s way,” the mayor said.
Sarno and event organizers are due to meet today to hash out the conflict. Meanwhile, one event organizer has sent out a press release that attempts to defuse some of the tension between the group and the mayor’s office—while still suggesting that at least some in City Hall are covertly working against the event.
“It is the opinion of the volunteer organizers of the Springfield Vintage Grand Prix that Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief-of-Staff Denise Jordan did not create the roadblocks that put the race in jeopardy,” according to organizer Carol de Carlo. “We believe a small group of city officials withheld the information we provided that would allow the Mayor to make an informed and command decision.
“Our meeting with the Mayor and his advisors on Monday will reveal if personal agendas and prejudices are at play. This is a world-class, free-to-the-public charity event unlike any in the world. Every effort should be made to assure it happens in Springfield.”
Before the event can happen, the state Legislature needs to approve a home-rule petition to allow street racing in the city that weekend.
The Springfield Vintage Grand Prix is scheduled for July 22 to 24 and will include car races and other activities. For more information, check out its website.
