Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Paula Canning Staff Writer CHICOPEE When it came time for Ward 3 Alderman John Vieau to consider a second term, he said "it wasn't a decision I had to make." The Chicopee native has taken out papers in the hopes of continuing his role in representing the city's Willimansett residents. "I feel very fortunate and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the people of Ward 3 and respectfully ask for the vote to allow me to continue to do so," he said. When Vieau first decided to run for alderman, he said he "wasn't exactly sure what he was getting himself into," however, he said his first term in office has been one of the most "rewarding and challenging," experiences of his life. "I've really enjoyed working with my peers," he said. "The [Board of Alderman] is really a great group as a whole, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them." Vieau said that the past year has afforded him the opportunity to acclimate to his responsibilities, and that he now understands the inner-workings of city government specifically the checks and balances between the mayor and the Board and how good fiscal decisions are made. He also noted that the experience has allowed him to establish a good rapport with the city's department heads. A life-long resident of the Willimansett area, Vieau, a certified general appraiser for the Massachusetts Highway Department, holds a bachelors degree in engineering. Citing the Sandy Hill sewer separation project and continued monitoring of the waste-water treatment plant in Ferry Lane as the some of the highlights of his time in office, Vieau explained that his engineering background was an asset when the city was confronted with these types of issues. "I find my college background and some of the work I have done towards my master's degree has helped me in making decisions and understanding the complexities of issues like these," he said. Above all, Vieau explained that he takes the most pride in the timely responsiveness he offers his constituents. "I think one of the things I do best is the most simple task of picking up the telephone," he said. "I pride myself on getting back to people with answers to their questions and concerns." A member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club, Vieau explained that he is "very committed" to the neighborhood children. "As someone who grew up in Willimansett, and as the father of two young children, I believe one of the greatest responsibilities I have as Alderman is to help ensure that our neighborhoods are safe for our kids," he said. A member of the Club for as long as he can remember, Vieau said he first visited the Club at the age of five. Vieau explained that the Club's capital campaign to raise $2 million for expansions and improvements to the Meadow Street facility is "very important" to him, specifically because he believes the Club has a "very positive influence" on the city's youth. "I'm a Club kid," he said. "I've been going there for as long as I can remember," he said, adding that he also worked at the Club during college. In looking towards the future, Vieau said, "I look forward to really getting the Neighborhood Crime Watch program re-energized ward wide, helping to ensure that the proposed Jones Ferry waste-water design issues are resolved in the best possible way, helping to monitor the new Chicopee Comprehensive High School, and helping this city keep its long history of good fiscal management intact." He explained that the city's Neighborhood Watch Program is something that he began in his ward, and he is looking towards adopting the program city-wide. He said that the program, which involves a collaboration between the neighborhood and the Police Department, has helped residents to get to know each other better and has also inspired a greater sense of security in the Willimansett area. "It helps people realize that Chicopee is a safe place to raise their children," he said. Vieau said he is proud to serve as an alderman in a city that he said is looked upon enviously by surrounding communities for its fiscal soundness. He noted the city's continued growth in terms of two new high schools, a new library, the continued revitalization of Memorial Drive, plans for a new Senior Center, and a new library. When asked if he had any inclination how supportive residents are of his campaign for re-election, he said that response has been "very positive." "I've heard a lot of kind words," he said. "I think people really feel that I'm doing a good job, especially because I'm in it for the right reasons." Vieau encourages residents to meet him in person tonight at the Boys and Girls Club for the celebration of the National Night Out event. For more information, about the event, contact Jean Fitzgerald at 536-9651. Vieau can be reached at 536-8838. |