Domenic J. Sarno was elected mayor of Springfield in November, 2007, defeating incumbent mayor Charles Ryan. Sarno, a former city councilor, built his campaign on criticisms of Ryan's handling of city finances during a period in which, thanks to the staggering debt the city piled up under former Mayor Mike Albano, a state-appointed Control Board administered Springfield's finances. Sarno was a member of the Control Board.
The son of Alfonso and Clara Sarno, Domenic Sarno spent his early adult years working in the family businesses, Al's Barber Shop and Clara's Alterations. Sarno graduated from Springfield's High School of Commerce, attended American International College as a political science major and later graduated from Westfield State College with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Sarno was a mayoral aide to former Springfield Mayor Mary Hurley and later worked for Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett. Sarno served four terms on the Springfield City Council before becoming mayor.
