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Czelusniak announces candidacy

By Paula Canning

Staff Writer



CHICOPEE With his involvement in the city ranging from serving as vice-chairman of the Planning Board, to treasurer of the Chicopee Cultural Council, to serving on the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Ronald Czelusniak of 26 Louise Ave. said he has been afforded a "clear snapshot" of the inner workings of the city's government.

Hoping for the opportunity to help lead the city with this knowledge, Czelusniak, a employee of Bank of America, has officially announced his campaign for alderman-at-large.

"We are living in times that demand a progressive outlook and approach to the future survival of our local cities and towns without jeopardizing the ability of our residents to thrive in their own community," he said. "I feel I offer that outlook and would make a very dependable, as well as capable alderman-at-large for the residents of the city, as well as an incubator for the continued great success of the city."

Czelusniak described his decision to campaign for the position as the "natural progression" in terms of his involvement with the city.

"It just seemed like the next step, with regards to all of the other boards and committees that I serve on," he explained.

A native of Chicopee who returned to his roots in 1999 after spending most of his life in Longmeadow, Czelusniak is a board member of the Chicopee Visiting Nurses as well as a member of the city's Rotary Club.

Czelusniak is also a deputy Sheriff for Hampden County, and is active with the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus and Habitat for Humanity, where he serves as a regular volunteer.

Czelusniak, who holds a degree in Business Administration, said a great deal of his concern for the city is directed towards fiscal responsibility.

As an alderman, he said he would work to ensure that the current bond rating remains intact so that the city could continue to borrow funds at the best possible rate.

He said that while it's "all well and good," the city is getting ready to begin construction on the new Chicopee Comprehensive High School, he said that it's important to ensure that the city can continue to enhance its educational offerings with the proper funding.

"Its important to have the funds for educational programs in order to maximize the success of the building and of the future of our youth," he said.

If elected, Czelusniak said he would focus a great deal of attention on assisting the elderly, as well as the city's Police and Fire Departments as they are the "cream of the crop."

"I want to continue to fund these departments at a progressive rate," he said, explaining that he wants to ensure that the departments are given the proper equipment and manpower.

Czelusniak said that he intends to begin campaigning door to door over the next few months.

"If you're out there, I'll probably be at your door soon," he said.