West of the River Chamber to host candidates’ forums

Date: 9/28/2011

Sept. 28, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

AGAWAM and WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) is hoping to stimulate more interest in this year’s local elections by hosting Candidates’ Forum nights in both Agawam and West Springfield in early October.

This year’s election cycle will prove significant for each community, as the position of mayor, as well as several council seats, will be decided at the ballot box in November. Residents of these communities are encouraged to submit questions for candidates by e-mail to info@ourwrc or by mail to West of the River Chamber, P.O. Box 48, West Springfield, MA 01090-0040

"As a chamber we understand the importance of these forums for all citizens

of our communities,” John Weiss, president, Ormsby Insurance Agency, Inc. and chair of WRC's Economic Development Committee, said. “We believe this process allows our future elected officials to discuss their ideas and goals while at the same time addressing questions from the people they look to lead. We hope all forums are well

attended and look forward to seeing our neighbors in the coming weeks."

The West Springfield Candidates’ forum will take place on Oct. 4, beginning at 6 p.m., in the West Springfield Municipal building at 26 Central St. Debate between Town Council candidates is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m., with debate between mayoral candidates Gerald Matthews and Greg Neffinger to begin at 7:45 p.m.

West Springfield’s incumbent Mayor Edward Gibson is not seeking reelection. In the council races, George D Condon III will square off against Daniel G. Sullivan for the District 3 seat, newcomer Mark D Bergeron will challenge incumbent John R. Sweeney for the District 4 seat, and incumbents Kathleen A Bourque, Brian J. Griffin, George R. Kelly and Robert M. Mancini will face challengers Anthony Cestari, Bruce L. Gendron and Michael E. LaRiviere in a race for the five At Large council seats.

The Agawam Candidates’ Forum will take place on Oct. 6 at the Roberta G. Doering School, located at 68 Main St. Candidates for city council will debate from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with the mayoral debate between incumbent Richard Cohen and challengers Rosemarie Sandlin and Walter Meissner III. beginning at 7:45 p.m.

There are 18 candidates running for the 11 City Council seats, including incumbents James Cichette, Joseph Mineo, Robert rossi, Donald Rheault, Robert Magovern, George Bitzas, Dennis Perry and Gina Letellier. They will face challengers Peter Boadrif, Billy Chester, Peter McNair, Anthony Sullivan, Paul Cavallo, Cecilia Calabrese, Rose Misioschia, Louis Russo, Christopher Johnson and Arthur Giroux.

Robert F. L. MacDonald, executive director of the Work Opportunity Center Inc. of Agawam, will moderate both forums. Macdonald, who also serves on the WRC board of Directors, said the forums are designed to “foster the democratic process by giving voters the occasion to become more knowledgeable about the issues and candidates.”

WRC member Remo Pizzichemi of the West Springfield Hampton Inn/Holiday Inn Springfield/Enfield, VP Welcome Group, Inc., said "The West of the River Chamber (WRC) hope's that these debates will help shed light on the candidates who will be most likely to assist businesses to

remain strong, economically viable employers during this period of high unemployment. We are excited to be the ongoing sponsor these debates in both West Springfield and Agawam."

The WRC provides legislative advocacy, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, networking, educational and information programs for businesses in Agawam and West Springfield. Recently, the WRC became affiliated with the Massachusetts Chamber of Business & Industry (MassCBI), the state Chamber of Commerce, to enhance leadership and support services.

Debbie Gardner can be reached by e-mail at debbieg@thereminder.com