A former Massachusetts legislator has withdrawn from the crowded field of Springfield City Council candidates citing a potential conflict of interest.
Former State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera said she withdrew as a candidate after being advised by the State Ethics Commission that if she remained in the race she would have to give up her job as assistant clerk in the Hampden County Superior Court.
" As much as I love the city and I want to serve, I can't afford right now to leave my full time job," said Coakley-Rivera, who added " I am very disappointed."
Coakley-Rivera took out nomination papers for the city council less than an hour before the July 28th deadline after two longtime incumbent councilors chose not to seek reelection.
Her departure leaves 13 candidates running for 5 at-large council seats.
