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Goyette arrest divides community

Goyette is questioned by the press at his arraignment last week. Reminder Publications photo by Michelle Symington
By Paula Canning

Staff Writer



CHICOPEE Following his arrest on charges of extorting $10,000 in illegal campaign contributions, Mayor Richard Goyette announced to the city of Chicopee last Friday that he will no longer seek a second term.

But for many residents of the city, that just isn't good enough.

From protesters outside of City Hall, to a signed petition from the Board of Alderman, it is clear the city is hoping the 36-year-old mayor will resign from his post prior to the end of his term, which will officially end in January.

During a live broadcast hosted by Rock 102's John O'Brien, protesters gathered outside of City Hall for several hours on Monday morning, holding signs that stated, "Forget Goyette, resign today and go away," and "Goyette please resign."

Holding one of these such signs, Bill McMahon of Orchard Street told Reminder Publications that he believes that the mayor "made a big mistake."

"It's a real slap on the face for the residents of Chicopee," he said. "Why he's not resigning, we just don't understand."

McMahon, who was not a supporter of Goyette prior his arrest, said he "never cared for the the guy."

"I just think someone else would do a better job," he said.

But according to Dawn Wilhelm of Springfield Street, Goyette "is innocent until proven guilty," and the city should support his re-election.

Wilhelm was among a crowd of supporters that stood on the island opposite the group protesting the mayor's decision to remain in office.

Waving her sign in support of the mayor as passerbys shouted chiding remarks, Wilhelm said that "everyone makes mistakes."

She also said she is suspicious of the events surrounding Goyette's arrest.

"The timing of his arrest right before the election and the over- eagerness of [Alderman] Keith Rattell to take over office is doubling my support of the mayor," she said.

Standing beside Wilhelm was Liz Lamonlagne, a resident of the Aldenville section of the city, who said that she also believes "anyone is innocent until proven guilty."

She said she wants the citizens of Chicopee to know that the reason numerous campaign signs in support of Goyette have been taken down throughout the city is because supporters fear their homes will be vandalized.

"I've talked to a lot of supporters and this is what they've been telling me," she said.

In a Nov. 4 letter to the mayor, signed by all members of the Board of Alderman with the exception of Ward 1 Alderman Dino Brunetti and Ward 9 Alderman Brant DuBois, the Board formally asked the mayor to resign in light of the allegations.

"We are writing at this time to request that you relinquish the duties of your office as mayor, pending a final resolution and disposition of charges leveled against you by the United States Attorney Michael Sullivan," the letter stated.

The correspondence goes on to express the Board's concern that Goyette's ability to lead the city has been "compromised," and that the charges might negatively influence bonding rates for the Chicopee Comprehensive High School project.

"The citizens of Chicopee have a right to expect that their local government will serve them in a manner unblemished by even a perception that a dark cloud of corruption is at the doors of City Hall," the Board wrote. "Simply put, a decision by you to step aside at this time would be in the best interest of the citizens of Chicopee whom we collectively represent."

Aldermanic President Rattell, who drafted the letter, visited City Hall each morning, to "ensure that services are still being provided to residents," to "be prepared to perform my duties should they be needed."

If the mayor resigns, Rattell would replace Goyette as acting mayor.

Rattell said he was "very surprised " when he learned of Goyette's arrest.

"This was a shock to me, the Board, and I'm sure the entire city," he said.



The week at a glance



News of the charges against Goyette came last Tuesday morning, after the mayor was arrested at his home and transported to the U.S. District Court on Main Street in Springfield, where a host of reporters awaited his departure later that afternoon.

An F.B.I affidavit released after his arrest details recorded conversations that reveal Goyette discussing and accepting campaign contributions of $5,000 each from a towing company owner and from a developer seeking favors from Goyette.

The affidavit includes a still shot of F.B.I video footage that shows Goyette allegedly accepting the cash contributions.

During one such exchange, in which the unidentified owner of the towing company is handing over the $5,000 in cash, the affidavit reveals that Goyette asks the owner, "What, no envelope?"

Goyette's question has emerged as the most talked-about line of dialogue contained in the 20-page affidavit.

After his arrest on Tuesday, the F.B.I. searched Goyette's office, Treasurer Ernest Laflamme Jr.'s office and the city's computer-services department, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Welch II.

Welch said Goyette is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 30.

Welch said he could not comment on whether or not the mayor will be brought before a federal grand jury for possible indictment.

Throughout the week following his arrest, Goyette made brief visits to his office to sign papers, according to mayoral aides at city hall.

Goyette refrained from any comment or inquiries from the media until Friday afternoon, when he formally announced in his office that he would not seek a second term.

"Given the events of the past several days, I feel it will be difficult to continue to be an effective administrator for the city," he said. "The charges against me have placed a cloud, not only over my life and that of my family, but I fear over the entire city. I must do what I can to lift that cloud and withdrawing from my re-election effort is probably the place to start. I believe that, for the good of the city, I need to step aside in an orderly fashion and I shall do so no later than my current term.

"Over the next year I will need to direct all of my attention and energy to the welfare of my wife and children and to assist in the preparation of my defense. Upon the advice of my legal counsel, Attorney Michael Jennings of Springfield, I shall not be responding to any inquiries about the alleged charges pending against me or about any other matters at this time.

"While I remain in office, I understand that I continue to be a public person. I feel however that I must follow the instructions of counsel. I sincerely hope and ask that for their well being, the media respect the privacy of my family members and our home and thank you in advance for doing so.

"To my many loyal and hard working supporters, I am sorry for what is happening and for the disappointment you must be feeling. My family and I will always be grateful for the support you have given us during my entire political career. To the great staff of city workers in all departments that I have had the privilege of working with, I thank you. Chicopee has always been a great city. It continues to be today and it will remain so tomorrow."