Who's Springfield's Person of the Year?

Time Magazine recently named Pope Francis its Person of the Year for 2013.

While it's certainly tough to compete with 'The People's Pope,' Patch wants to know, who is Springfield's Person of the Year—the man or woman who, in Time-speak, “most influenced the news this year for better or worse?"

It was an exciting year in the Township as Springfield celebrated two significant ribbon cuttings. The new athletic complex at Jonathan Dayton High School opened in September while the 'Senior Wing' at the Chisholm Center hosted its first luncheon in mid-December. Springfield police nabbed alleged car thieves and were instrumental in capturing two men who allegedly posed as golfers and stole from country club locker rooms up and down the East Coast. Members of Springfield H.O.P.E. delivered turkeys and trimmings to those in need this Thanksgiving and continue to toy drive efforts through Friday. 

Last year, Springfielders nominated "Apu Mullick, Captain of the First Aid Squad for his tireless efforts in working to high quality emergency medical services to the town all year long, Scott Seidel, OEM Coordinator for his leadership during Sandy," and Ziad Shehady "for his tireless work during the hurricane and its aftermath, especially his dealings with JCP&L and his constant communication with residents via Twitter and Facebook to keep us informed."

Time's other 10 finalists were a mixed bag: President Obama, NSA leaker Edward Snowden, Syria President Bashar Assad, Iran President Hassan Rouhani, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, gay rights activist Edith Windsor and Miley Cyrus.

Tell us your pick in the comment section below!