He studied political science at American International College for some time, but ultimately graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in psychology.

During the campaign, Sarno focused on Springfield's trash collection fee, while Ryan argued that he had helped to prevent the city from falling into bankruptcy.

While Tosado won several key labor union endorsements during the campaign, Sarno touted his fiscal management and response to the 2011 New England tornado outbreak.

With the expansion of terms to 4 years after 2011, following the 2019 election, Sarno became the longest-serving mayor in the city's history, a record preceded by Daniel B. Brunton in 1957.

The city suffered from a shrinking industrial tax base, rising budget deficits, and the fact it had been downgraded to junk bond status by credit rating agencies.

In 2004, the Massachusetts General Court and Governor Mitt Romney responded to this financial crisis by giving the city a no-interest $52 million loan.

In January 2009, Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation disbanding the Finance Control Board and giving Springfield ten additional years to repay the loan.

[12] One of the most important moments of Sarno's second term came on June 1, 2011, when Springfield was struck by the 2011 New England tornado outbreak, which left three hundred people injured in the city and a significant amount of damage on Main Street.