Committee advances John McCloskey nomination to mobile home rent control board

The Springfield General Government Committee on Feb. 5 voted to advance John McCloskey’s nomination to the full City Council for appointment to the mobile home rent control board.

McCloskey appeared on Zoom and said he lives in Forest Park, works for the city in the parks department and coaches youth sports. He told the committee he volunteered because he wants to help find solutions between mobile-home lot owners and renters; he said he understands a dispute at the lot involves a rent increase he described roughly as rising "from 200 to 500 something."

Committee members reviewed McCloskey’s resume, noting his Springfield College training and a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University. Councilor Davila asked whether McCloskey’s appointment would fill an existing vacancy; the clerk confirmed the nomination replaces a departing member and carries a three-year term.

Councilor Davila moved to recommend McCloskey to the full body and Councilor Martin seconded the motion. The committee advanced the nomination by voice vote; the chair declared the motion carried and thanked McCloskey for attending. The committee did not record a roll-call tally on the record in these minutes.

The nomination will return to the full City Council for final confirmation at the next regular meeting.