Candidate Information

As we approach the April 8, 2025, local election, we encourage you to use the Chamber's suite of comprehensive voter education materials. These resources, highlighting candidates running for Springfield City Council and Springfield Public Schools Board of Education, include a complete voter guide with written responses, recorded video interviews, and information on how to share this information broadly.

Crafted by volunteer-leaders serving on the Chamber's Voter Education Task Force, these resources aim to help you view candidates through a business lens and make an informed decision at the ballot box.

We encourage you to share these education resources with your organization and networks prior to April 8. Learn more below!

The Chamber does not endorse candidates for any election.

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Springfield City Council

There are eight candidates running for five City Council seats, including the Mayor, in the April 2025 election.

Springfield Public Schools Board of Education

There are four candidates running for two SPS Board of Education at-large seats in the April 2025 election.

Springfield Public Schools Board of Education and Springfield City Council Voter Guide

Council Candidates

Council Video Interviews

Six of eight Springfield City Council candidates agreed to participate in the video interviews. Each candidate was provided three questions, developed by the Voter Education Task Force and guided by the Chamber's Local Policy Agenda, upon arrival for their scheduled interview:

Forward SGF outlines several key priorities for Springfield’s future. As a member of City Council, what are the 1-3 core elements of the plan that you believe are most important to focus on and why?
Some policy decisions – such as zoning, permitting and incentives – directly impact business growth and development. How would you ensure these processes remain efficient, transparent and aligned with the city’s long-term goals?
A well-maintained infrastructure system is key to economic success. What infrastructure improvements should be prioritized to support business growth and community development?

Candidates were given 10 minutes to review the questions and given 2-minutes to answer each question, consistent for each candidate, but were not required to use the full time. Each candidate had the opportunity to rerecord one question of their choosing.

Responses by Candidate

Mayor
General Seat A
- Heather Hardinger - All Answers
- Eric Pauly declined to participate due to scheduling conflicts.
General Seat B
- Craig Hosmer declined to participate.
Zone 1
- Monica Horton - All Answers
Zone 4
- Bruce Adib-Yazdi - All Answers
- Matthew Simpson - All Answers

You can view all City Council candidate answers in one video here.

Responses by Question

School Board Candidates

School Board Video Interviews

All four Springfield Public Schools Board of Education candidates agreed to participate in the video interviews. Each candidate was provided three questions, developed by the Voter Education Task Force and guided by the Chamber's Education Platform, upon arrival for their scheduled interview:

What do you think are the critical workforce needs facing employers and how would you ensure the district is working to meet those needs?
Springfield employers consistently cite workforce readiness as a key issue. How should Springfield Public Schools contribute to preparing students for local career opportunities, whether through college readiness, technical training, or other pathways?
Name one thing you think the district has done well over the last 5 years and one thing that could be improved.

Responses by Candidate

Responses by Question

You can view all candidates responses to all three questions in one video, linked here.

Employer Toolkit

How can I help my networks be informed voters?

Encourage individuals to check their voter registration status to find out if and where they are registered.
- In order to vote on April 8, you must be registered by March 12. Click here to determine your registration status- you can also identify your polling location through this link.
- Only City of Springfield residents are eligible to vote for Mayor and City Council, and only those who reside within Zone 1 and Zone 4 are eligible to vote for those specific Council representatives. Only individuals who live within the Springfield Public Schools boundary are eligible to vote for school board representatives.
Share these resources on your social media.
Share resources with non-profits or other organizations that you engage with.
Request physical copies of the Voter Education Guide from the Chamber for your friends and family.
- Email kaleb@springfieldchamber.com for additional information.

How can I help my employees be informed voters?

Encourage employees to check their voter registration status to find out if and where they are registered.
- In order to vote on April 8, you must be registered by March 12. Click here to determine your registration status- you can also identify your polling location through this link.
- Only City of Springfield residents are eligible to vote for Mayor and City Council, and only those who reside within Zone 1 and Zone 4 are eligible to vote for those specific Council representatives. Only individuals who live within the Springfield Public Schools boundary are eligible to vote for school board representatives.
Post this 8.5 x 11 flyer with QR codes linking to voting information in accessible locations, like a breakroom, in mailboxes, or in an all-company newsletter.
Share the links to the above video interviews and voter guide with your employees.
- Use this email template as a starting point on how to share the value of these resources.
- Shareable Candidate Video Playlist
- Shareable Voter Education Guide
Request physical copies of the Voter Education Guide from the Chamber for your office - you can provide directly to employees or place in accessible locations.
- Email kaleb@springfieldchamber.com for more information.
Encourage employees to sign up for the Chamber's Advocacy In Action e-Newsletter to stay up to date on local, state and federal advocacy efforts.
- Email tmercado@springfieldchamber.com for more information.