Two Republican Knapiks are supporting Democrat Stephen Buoniconti, while two Democratic Sullivans are supporting independent Mark Mastroianni.
State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, and Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik flank state Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti, R-West Springfield, center, after announcing Thursday that they support him for Hampden district attorney.WESTFIELD – It’s not exactly a Hatfields vs. McCoys feud, but two of this city’s most prominent political families are at odds over who is the best candidate for Hampden district attorney.
The Republican Knapik brothers – state Sen. Michael R. Knapik and Mayor Daniel M. Knapik – threw their support on Thursday behind the Democratic candidate, state Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti, of West Springfield.
The endorsement came as the Democrat Sullivan brothers – City Council president Brian P. Sullivan and School Committee member Kevin J. Sullivan – are working for the independent candidate, Mark D. Mastroianni, also a city resident, in the race for the county’s top law enforcement job.
“They are entitled to endorse who they want,” said Brian Sullivan, Mastroianni’s campaign manager, immediately after the Knapiks’ endorsement was made public. “We are all entitled to support who we believe is the best candidate. I choose to support Mark wholeheartedly.”
The Sullivan clan of brothers also includes former Mayor Richard K. Sullivan, who is now state commissioner of conservation and recreation and has not entered this public political fray, and WHYN radio personality Barry “Bo” Sullivan, who has worked on some Mastroianni campaign functions.
Ironically, Mastroianni is married into a third Westfield political family. Mastroianni’s wife Carolyn is a cousin of David A. Bannish, who served on the City Council for more than 20 years until last year.
Buoniconti and Mastroianni have been trading political endorsement announcements since the Sept. 14 primary in which the senator beat four other Democrats. The winner of the Nov. 2 general election will succeed retiring District Attorney William M. Bennett, who opted not to seek re-election after 20 years in office.
Also on Thursday, Mastroianni received an endorsement from the Palmer Police Department union. The union said it broke from its policy of never having endorsed a political candidate because its membership felt it was “of the utmost importance to make our collective voice heard in this instance.”
Senator Knapik, in his endorsement, cited Buoniconti’s “ability to work in a bipartisan way to advocate for communities in Western Massachusetts and to build coalitions to fight and prevent crime” as reasons behind his endorsement.
Mayor Knapik said, “What has always impressed me with Steve is his tireless work on behalf of the citizens he has represented. I support his position on the expanded role of the district attorney in our schools and on our city streets.”
Added the senator, “I believe Steve’s ability to build coalitions to fight and prevent crime make him the ideal candidate for district attorney. I have served with him for the last six years in the Senate, and previously when he was a representative, and he has always shown an ability to work in a bipartisan way.”
This week, Mastroianni also picked up the endorsement of the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the municipal police unions in Buoniconti’s hometown of West Springfield.
West Side Police Chief Thomas Burke, meanwhile, opted to endorse Buoniconti, as have Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe and U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst.
Mastroianni’s other endorsements have included Holyoke Police Chief Anthony R. Scott and 41 former assistant district attorneys and assistant attorneys general.
The losers in the Democratic primary have also been divided in their endorsements. Last week assistant district attorney Stephen E. Spelman announced his support of Buoniconti; earlier, two other candidates, Michael T. Kogut, of Springfield, and assistant district attorney James R. Goodhines, of Longmeadow, broke party ranks to throw their backing to Mastroianni.
Buoniconti said he was “extremely honored” to receive support from the Knapik brothers.
The candidate reiterated his position that “being district attorney is more than being a trial attorney. You must build community relationships and advocate for policy. I will build coalitions at all levels of government to fight crime and take the bad actors off the streets. We need prevention to stop the revolving door at the courthouse.”
The Palmer Police Union, in its endorsement, said, “We know, without a doubt, that (Mastroianni) is the only choice on November 2.”
Mastroianni said, “The police taking the responsibility of informing the public just highlights how important this election is. In addition, law enforcement from across the county have now indicated they believe my experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney will be an asset to the citizens of Hampden County.”
He added, “Over my 20 years of experience I have been involved with numerous cases involving the Palmer Police Department and there is a mutual respect that developed.”
The union endorsement letter reads, “Many of our members have worked closely with Mr. Mastroianni during his time working for the District Attorney and while Mr. Mastroianni worked as a defense attorney. It was our pleasure to vote to support a person of integrity, knowledge, and experience.”