Subcommittee forwards Maddie Landryau nomination to Water and Sewer Commission

The Springfield City general government subcommittee voted on July 24 to forward the nomination of Maddie Landryau to the Water and Sewer Commission to the full City Council for confirmation.

Landryau, who said she manages the MassMutual Foundation’s Springfield grantmaking portfolio, told the subcommittee she wants to learn the commission’s operations so she can "educate our community" about water infrastructure decisions and the reasons behind utility changes. Attorney Wilson, who identified himself as general counsel to the Water and Sewer Commission, praised Landryau, saying she "seems like a really good fit, great community person" and noting the commission’s work involves a steep learning curve.

Subcommittee members asked how Landryau would respond to questions about rising water rates. The chair asked, "are you going to push back against these increases and really work as hard as you possibly can," citing repeated rate increases over the past decade as a common resident concern. Landryau replied, "I first will seek to understand why," adding, "I'm not gonna sit on a board without asking the why," and said she would use her role to ask questions and communicate reasons for decisions back to the community.

Landryau confirmed she would replace Vanessa Otero on the commission. Councilor Davila moved to forward the nomination to the full chamber for confirmation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote, with the chair stating "the ayes have it." The nomination now moves to the full City Council for a confirmation vote.

The subcommittee adjourned following the vote.