Following defeat, Brooks hangs up political career for the present

Date: 11/11/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

CHICOPEE Shane Brooks told Reminder Publications that with the end of his present term on the City Council he is through with politics for the time being.

Brooks cautioned that he wouldn't say he'd pass up an opportunity in the future as public service is "in my blood."

Brooks suffered a decisive defeat in his bid for mayor against Michael Bissonnette on Nov. 3. The city councilor said he had "no problems, no regrets" with his campaign and with the results.

Speaking at the Bridge Caf at about 7:50 p.m. polls in Chicopee closed at 7 p.m. Brooks addressed a small group of supporters while standing on a chair.

"I don't know what tomorrow holds," he said. He added with a laugh that all he knows is that he had to go back to work on Thursday.

There were tears from some supporters who shouted out, "Next time, Shane, next time."

He thanked his wife and family for their support and said he was going to "focus on my daughters."

"I owe them a lot of attention that was taken away by the campaign," he added.

Brooks' campaign hammered away with charges of Bissonnette's alleged fiscal irresponsibilities, the issue of the contract for the acting human resources director and the Aldenville Fire Station not being staffed. None of these points seemed to produce much traction with voters.

Brooks' wife, Eileen, is the chief of staff for State Rep. Joseph Wagner, who has been at odds with Mayor Michael Bissonnette over a number of issues. Although some people had expressed the belief that Brooks was running at Wagner's urging, early in his campaign Brooks emphatically stated that was not the case. Wagner was not present at the gathering at the Bridge Caf .

Brooks also congratulated Bissonnette and said, "I wish the mayor all the best."

Practically across the street at the Hu Ke Lau, Bissonnette celebrated his victory with about 100 campaign workers and well-wishers.

"The people of Chicopee have spoken and boy, do I like the sound of their voices," Bissonnette said during his entrance at around 8:15 p.m.

"I understand that political campaigns often get a little rough," Bissonnette said. Regardless of how people voted, he said, "You're going to have a place on team Chicopee if you care about the city."

Bissonnette dedicated his victory to long-time supporter David Houghtalin who passed away at 3 a.m. on Nov. 3.

"Today's victory is in his honor and memory," Bissonnette said with his voice filled with emotion.

Bissonnette saw the results as "a vote of support for the reforms to modernize city government" he has undertaken in his first two terms.

He said he intends to continue those consolidations in city operation that have yielded greater efficiencies and savings in the next two years.

When asked if he would consider running for a fourth term, Bissonnette said he hadn't thought about it. He said he loves the job as mayor and when he stops loving it, he'll know that is the time to quit.