01/05/2026
Today I stand before you humbled, grateful, and deeply honored to begin this new journey as the School Committee Member representing Ward 1 and Ward 3 of Springfield.
First and foremost, I give all glory and thanks to God, who has guided my steps, strengthened my faith, and opened doors I never imagined possible. Without Him, none of this would be possible.
To my wife, thank you for your unwavering love, patience, and sacrifice. You stood beside me through every late night, every long conversation, and every moment of doubt. This journey is ours.
To my parents, thank you for instilling in me the values of hard work, respect, and service. To my siblings, my nieces and nephews, thank you for your love, encouragement, and belief in me.
To my church family, thank you for your prayers, your support, and for always reminding me that service to people is service to God.
To my campaign volunteers, thank you for knocking on doors, making calls, showing up in the heat, the cold, and the rain. This victory belongs to you as much as it belongs to me.
And most of all, to my supporters and to everyone who voted for me—thank you. I want you to know something very clearly: this is not my seat, this is your seat. I am simply here to serve. I proudly stand before you as “Manny, the mouthpiece” for the most needy and unheard communities in Springfield. I will speak when voices are ignored, and I will listen when voices need to be heard.
As I step into this new season, my heart goes back to my grandparents and to how my family became residents of Springfield. My grandparents came here seeking a better life and a better education for their 9children. . Although my grandparents did not have the opportunity to complete high school themselves, they believed deeply in the promise of education.
They worked long, hard days in vegetable farms and to***co fields, yet through perseverance and faith, they achieved the American Dream. They became homeowners, proud parents, and the foundation for generations to come.
Because of their sacrifices, their children and grandchildren became doctors, educators, police officers, military service heroes, clergymen, and even politicians. Today, I walk in their footsteps, honoring their legacy and carrying their dream forward.
I stand here committed to being a beacon of hope for families who are still striving for their piece of the American Dream. I believe—deeply—that education and the safety of our children are the most important parts of that dream.
We can all agree: the future and the hope of Springfield rely on our children. When we invest in them, we invest in the strength of our city.
Once again, I want to express my gratitude and humility for being selected and sworn in on January 5th at City Hall. I promise to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage.
Thank you for trusting me.
Thank you for believing.
And thank you for allowing me to serve.
God bless you, and God bless Springfield.
