The candidates

Michael Houston previously served two terms as mayor from 1979 to 1987, built a career in banking and business and served on numerous boards for local organizations before successfully running for mayor again in 2011. At each campaign appearance, Houston asks a question: “Is Springfi eld better off now than it was four years ago?” The answer depends on whom you ask, and the other candidates are happy to provide their own answers, but Houston points to the turnaround of city fi nances under his watch and an infrastructure rebuilding program he implemented as examples of his successes in offi ce.

Gail Simpson is the only woman in the race. As Ward 2 alderman, she has represented part of Springfi eld’s east side on the Springfi eld City Council since 2007. Simpson works as a public service administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services. Among the challengers, Simpson is most directly critical of Houston. While other candidates mostly hint that they believe Houston hasn’t lived up to his campaign promises, Simpson makes no bones about saying so.

Paul Palazzolo was appointed Sangamon County Auditor in 2002 to fi ll a vacancy and was elected in 2004 to his fi rst of three full four-year terms. Palazzolo has the endorsement of the Sangamon County Republican Central Committee in his run for mayor. Like Langfelder, Palazzolo doesn’t have much of a political record to run on because his offi ce is not a policy-making position. However, he says his time as president of Kiwanis International, coordinating volunteers around the world during 2009 and 2010, gave him plenty of large-scale management experience.

Jim Langfelder is the son of former mayor Ossie Langfelder, who held the office from 1987 to 1995. The younger Langfelder was first elected treasurer in 2003 and is finishing his third term in office. Before his political career, Langfelder worked in the banking industry under a federal program to end “redlining,” the practice of lenders not offering loans in certain neighborhoods. His experience fighting a practice that adversely affected African-American communities is one of several that give him credibility among black voters. Langfelder doesn’t have much of a political record to run on because the office of treasurer is mainly an administrative position, but he points to his private sector experience and his management of the treasurer’s office as a testament to his leadership.

Samuel Johnson is the youngest and least experienced candidate in the race. He is an unemployed community activist and is the only candidate who has never held political offi ce. Johnson is currently suing the City of Springfi eld in federal court on charges of racial profi ling stemming from a traffi c stop in 2013. Johnson acknowledges his lack of political experience, saying his other experiences and connection to Springfi eld give him what it takes to be mayor.

“What sets me apart is I’m young, energetic and knowledgeable,” Johnson said. “I think that out of all the candidates, the question is, ‘At what time would we be at our best?’ What the city needs is some energy and a leader who can bring unity.”

Five people will appear on the primary election ballot on Feb. 24. City ordinance calls for a primary when there are fi ve or more contenders in the race, and the top two candidates from the primary advance to the general election. Current mayor Michael Houston is defending his title against City Treasurer Jim Langfelder, Sangamon County Auditor Paul Palazzolo, Ward 2 Alderman Gail Simpson and east side activist Samuel Johnson.

Four of the candidates – all but Simpson – proudly tout having been raised in Springfield as evidence of their commitment to the city and their knowledge of its problems. For her part, Simpson says the fact that she moved here later in life is actually a positive for her because it gives her the ability to see issues in ways the other candidates can’t.