Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor CHICOPEE Although representatives of Senator John Kerry didn't make it to Chicopee City Hall last week for a discussion about the city's needs, Mayor Michael Bissonnette did have an initial conversation that is part of his effort to re-establish a relationship with the federal delegation. Bissonnette explained the Kerry staff members called him from North Adams and said they would be in Chicopee in 20 minutes in order to make their appointment. Bissonnette explained the trip would take longer than 20 minutes and a previous commitment prevented him from waiting. The in-person meeting will be re-scheduled. Bissonnette said that "for years" the city had not marketed itself to Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry and to Congressman Richard Neal. Although he said the city has done well in securing federal dollars for schools, he wants to focus on economic development. Most of the federal dollars spent in Chicopee have been allocated for construction projects at Westover Air Reserve Base and Bissonnette wants to see what funding would be available for projects such as the development of the Uniroyal and Facemate properties; the Center Street streetscape; and the on-going development of Chicopee center as "an urban village." He said that all municipalities compete for resources and that a key to success is having opportunities to talk about a community and its needs. "This business is all about personal ties," he said. He added that Kerry has expressed interest in hosting a town meeting in the city. |