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Raschilla spearheads forum

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE While at large Aldermanic candidate James Raschilla wasn't upset by the recent candidates forum sponsored by the Council on Aging, he does believe there should be another opportunity for voters to hear from the candidates.

That's why Raschilla is undertaking the organization of another forum scheduled for Nov. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the community room of the Chicopee Public Library.

Raschilla explained to Reminder Publications that he was concerned about the number of people who attended the previous forum and that it concentrated on the issues of a possible casino in Chicopee and the need for a new senior center.

He was also concerned that members of the audience could not ask questions directly to the candidates.

"We all have our own agendas," Raschilla said.

Raschilla has mailed invitation to all of the candidates for the Board of Aldermen and the School Committee. He has asked Mayor Michael Bissonnette and Superintendent of School Richard Rege to act as co-moderators.

In his invitation, Raschilla wrote, "The suggested format is that the audience would be permitted to ask each candidate a question on a rotating basis, with responses limited to one minute.

"If there were no questions from residents for any candidate(s), the moderator would be permitted to ask a question. Non-contested elected officials and appointed city officials are welcome to attend, but they would not be permitted to ask questions unless residents in attendance had none. Once all candidates had an opportunity to speak, the process would be repeated until time ran out.

"Although the forum would be scheduled from 1 - 3 p.m., the library director has noted that the forum must end by 3:30 p.m. so again, time allowing, each candidate would be allowed a one minute statement at the conclusion."

Raschilla said he is very interested in issues about how the city can control its tax rate. He noted the influx of young families into the city is costly to the tax structure. He said the city might receive $5,000 to $6,000 in property taxes from a home, but must spend about $8,000 annually to educate a child in the public schools. He said he is looking at "controlled housing starts" that would encourage housing for people 55 years of age and older.

He also believes the tax rate for business is too high and the city should commission a report to see what the impact would be to create exemptions and reductions on utility rates for seniors and the disabled.

Any questions or suggestions about the forum should be directed to raschilla by calling or faxing him at, 413.536.6079 or by emailing him at jabcraschilla@verizon.net