Races firm up in several towns

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

Buying local has been the subject of a number of recent columns I've written, so I have to congratulate "Business West" owner John Gormally in his purchase of WGGB. I may be wrong, but I think that William L. Putnam was the last local owner of a television station in this market.

Local media ownership has the potential for greater involvement and understanding of the region.

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Is the lack of political competition the most sincere form of flattery? In Chicopee's case, it may be. Mayor Michael Bissonnette's first election into office was certainly clouded by the fact the Feds revealed bribery charges against incumbent Mayor Richard Goyette.

At the time, the race was considered fairly close. Now, people in Chicopee are clearly pleased with Bissonnette's performance to the point that no one wants to step up and challenge him.

Bissonnette has made headway on the Uniroyal/Facemate properties. He has worked behind the scenes to facilitate new businesses in the city and he aggressively pursued the relocation of the Franklin D. Roosevelt museum to the city.

He has also sought economies that have saved the city money.

Bissonnette has been lucky in his first term by having partners in the city's progress: School Superintendent Rick Rege and Elms College President Jim Mullen. Interesting sidebar: both men are Granby High School graduates.

While the mayoral contest will be at a simmer in Chicopee, expect a full boil in Springfield soon. City Councilor Domenic Sarno has been campaigning door to door and I'm sure he will be stepping up his efforts.

The trouble Sarno will be facing is trying to overcome the long list of accomplishments that have taken place in Ryan's time in office so far. Ryan has been able to maintain much influence although the Finance Control Board severely curtailed his authority.

The budget is balanced, school buildings and streets are being repaired after years of neglect, Mason Square will see its library restored and the city's bond rating is improved.

Have there been missteps? Sure. The trash fee was presented in the worst way possible to the city. I think Springfield should take Worcester's lead and go straight to a pay-as-you-throw system.

Sarno has pledged that he will rescind the trash fee, but he has yet said where he will find the $4 million or so to replace it in the budget. The city councilor also speaks about the need for more "blue" police on the street. The issue of how the city would pay for additional police is the real problem.

And there promises to be a heck of a contest over in West Springfield where Mayor Ed Gibson will face Councilor at Large George Kelly, Councilor at Large Brian Griffin and Mark Domaingue. Some of Gibson's opponents charge certain city functions are not being adequately funded. Gibson has noted under his watch the city's tax rate has not increased as much as it could be.

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