Date: 11/8/2021
I want to thank the people of Holyoke for their trust in my ability to make our city a more promising place for our families.
My parents, Thomas and Mary Ellen, have been by my side along with my sister, Sheila, and my three brothers, Patrick, Brian, and Thomas, through the thick and thin of Holyoke’s political climate, and their support never wavered. Along with their backing, I had the privilege of having my in-laws, Peter and Mary Brady, to help guide me along the way. My brothers-in-law and my sisters-in-law on both sides have been with me without hesitation. For that, I’m eternally grateful.
As for the new members of the council, I want to congratulate you and share that your role in the city is crucial and can be the most rewarding feeling. If you ever have any questions or require information, please don’t hesitate to call me.
I would also like to congratulate both of my friends, Josh Garcia and Mike Sullivan, for a great mayoral race.
If it wasn’t for my two dear friends Patti Devine and Ernie Ross, my initial campaign wouldn’t have been a massive victory. Ernie, unfortunately, isn’t with us, but I know that he knows how I feel about him. As for Patti, I couldn’t have had a more passionate, organized task master to keep the momentum going. My dear friend, Sheila Moreau, was always there to help in any way she could. I am grateful for her creativity and social media expertise. And for our hours and hours of fun. Darby O’Brien and his crew helped put my name on the map as a contender in the fight of local government. With their help I always kept my dukes up.
Thank you to the countless friends who held signs, wrote friendship cards, and supported me throughout my years on the city council. I am forever grateful to each one of them.
I am proud of my service to the Paper City and my longevity of 21 years serving the city that I love. I am also proud of the hundreds of changes that I authored to improve the quality of life for our residents and the friendships I made through my role in Holyoke’s city government. I have had the pleasure of working alongside some of the Holyoke’s finest citizens. I have learned so much from each of my fellow city councilors over my tenure, especially Joe McGivern, Ray Feyre, Juan Anderson Burgos, and Todd & Brenna McGee -to name a few- about the importance of city governance and working for the people. However, I am most proud of my family who took this long, strange ride with me. To my wonderful son Brendan, my two beautiful daughters Caroline and Paige, and most importantly, to the captain of our crew, my wife Eileen, I love you all.
Thank you.
James Leahy
Holyoke
