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Aldermanic President considers a run for mayor

By Paula Canning

Staff Writer



CHICOPEE In a move that he said, "has been a long time coming," Aldermanic President Keith Rattell has taken out nomination papers to run for mayor of Chicopee.

"In the past year, mounting rumors have been out there about the possibility that I may run for mayor, and I'm confirming those rumors by saying that I'm giving it a serious glance," Rattell said.

He has also taken out papers for the position of Ward 6 alderman, and will decide which position he will run for sometime within the next two weeks.

"It's just an action proving that I'm seriously considering not only the position that I currently hold, but also a position as mayor as well," he explained.

He said that much of his decision to take out papers for the position of mayor is rooted in the support he has received from members of the community.

"I've received a great deal of encouragement from various areas, including colleagues, constituents, family, friends and other members of the community," he said. "I am honored and humbled by their continued support."

Rattell said that, while it would be premature to map out a campaign strategy if he were to run for mayor, he is very attuned to the city's issues and is concerned with "the way the city is being guided that this point."

He said that "it's been no secret" that he has been "very critical of Mayor Richard Goyette's and his abilities and his tactics.

"I really think that the city could do better," he said.

Goyette has taken out nomination papers for a run for a second term.

At the forefront of his concern is financial situations that have been made for the city, Ratell said.

Rattell, a lifelong resident of the city with a degree in business administration, first delved into politics 12 years ago when he served for 2.5 years as an aide to former Mayor Joseph Chessey.

He then went on to serve for another 2.5 years as an aide to former Mayor Richard Kos.

"Working for two different mayors has given me a unique insight as to how the city can be run with great effectiveness and efficiency," Rattell said.

He said that both mayors were "excellent" at their jobs, although they had two distinctly different styles.

Despite their different approaches, Rattell said that the two mayors were both "geniuses" when it came to numbers and managing the city with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.

"Working shoulder to shoulder with both of them on a daily basis for five years has given me priceless knowledge of how to manage the city and its finances," he said.

After serving as a mayor's aide, Rattell continued his career in politics when he went to work for former Governor Paul Cellucci's administration one of three governors who he has worked under.

He has also worked for former Governor Jane Swift and Governor Mitt Romney and has worked in such areas such as the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, and the agency of the Governors Administration, where he was directly responsible for attracting, maintaining or relocating businesses to the state.

"We had many success stories of bringing in new [businesses] or maintaining current businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including some right here in Chicopee," he said.

Citing his time on the Board of Alderman as "a long and insightful journey," Rattell said that he first took office on the board in 2000.

In 2002, Rattell was elected vice president of the Board, and 2004, was elected president.

"Starting out in the mayor's office on the executive side of city government then leading the Board of Aldermen on the legislative side of city government then leading the Board on the legislative side of city government, has given me full rounded knowledge into every aspect of how the city is run," he said..

With these experiences behind him, Rattell said, "It's a natural step of progression to now utilize this knowledge as a benefit to the city with a return to the mayor's office."

Rattell noted that the latest campaign finance reports that candidates file with the City Clerk's office, shows that he has a balance of over $30,000 for his campaign.

"Money isn't everything, but it is a necessary component to running an effective campaign and we would be off to a good start," he said.

In reflecting on his decision to take out papers for both mayor and Ward 6 alderman, Rattell said that he is fortunate to have surrounded himself with "good, hardworking people," who will help him with his decision.

"In fairness to everyone, within the next two week, we will collectively decide if its time to move on to the next step or continue to work hard in my current position on the Board of Aldermen," he said.