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Date: 10/22/2019
AGAWAM – Nov. 5 is election day in the town of Agawam. This year, elections for both city council and school committee will take place. Mayor William Sapelli is running unopposed.
Fifteen people are vying for terms on the city council, including 10 of the current 11 city council members. Councilman Joseph Mineo is the only member of the current council not seeking reelection.
The Reminder reached out to each of the 15 candidates and asked them to introduce themselves and why residents should vote for them. Next week, we’ll ask them about their position on the current cannabis moratorium and the path the town should take regarding recreational marijuana.
The candidate’s responses are listed in no particular order.
Christopher Johnson
I am a lifelong resident of Agawam and I currently reside in Feeding Hills with my wife, Anna and our two children.
I am a graduate of Agawam High School. I graduated with honors from American International College, and I graduated with honors from Western New England University School of Law. I am a practicing attorney and a partner at Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty.
I currently serve as President of the Council. I previously served as Mayor and Chair of the Agawam School Committee. I served on the Board of Trustees at STCC for 13 years, including time as Chairperson of the board. I also served on the Board of Directors at Mass Housing for 15 years, and I currently serve on the Captain Charles Leonard House Board of Trustees.
I believe that my education and experience set me apart from the other candidates. My knowledge of the law is a great asset on the council. In addition, I have the experience of serving as mayor, school committee chair, councilor, council president and town solicitor. I am honored to serve the community of Agawam where I grew up and where I am raising my family. I promise to continue to work hard to do what is in the best interests of our community, and I will strive to make Agawam a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Paul Cavallo
Agawam City Councilor, Paul Cavallo has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Agawam City Council. Cavallo’s experience in local government includes four years on the School Committee and eight years on the City Council.
Cavallo has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Masters in Secondary School Administration. His professional experience includes a Guidance Counselor and a Director of Adult Education. Later in his career as an educator, he became an Assistant Principal and Principal of Agawam High School.
Cavallo serves as the Chairperson of the Council School Budget sub-committee and a member of the Administration, Finance and School Facility Needs committees.
Cavallo cites his support to the on-going work on various projects that have benefitted the community. They include the following:
There are many issues that must be addressed during the next two years.
Cavallo pledges to serve the people of Agawam and appreciates your vote on Nov. 5, 2019.
Rosemary Sandlin
For the past two years that I have been on the Agawam City Council have seen many changes some for the good and others are in progress. I am running for a second term so that I can complete the initiatives which I have started: zoning updates, accessible city council meetings and energy upgrades for the town and school.
New items which I plan to work are sewers and/or alternative solution to the Feeding Hills areas without town sewers. Agawam Media Studio programming with streaming of all meetings and I would continue to address zoning issues through my participation on the Zoning Committee.
I currently serve on the Agawam Community on the Energy Commission which produced the first ever Cooler Community outreach, which was a huge success. Together with the schools and the town we provided energy solutions which brought the school community, city and private business together to highlight energy savings.
Two years ago when I ran for city council I stated that the council must work productively with the mayor. This council has done what I had hoped and I am proud to have contributed to making this come to fruition.
There are many items on my bucket list that still need attention; ADA handrails at the Jr High auditorium, signage display to direct citizen to the elevator for people with handicaps to access the stage for citizen speak time and completion of the Agawam Zoning bylaws.
I have many years of experience in state and local governance and would like to continue putting my unique skill sets to work for the community that has given so much to me and my family. With your vote I can continue to give back as a member of the Agawam City Council, I am Rosemary Sandlin and I ask for your vote to continue making a difference.
George Bitzas
I will continue to be vocal and support our children’s education, public safety, town services and continue street and sidewalk repairs. I will always vote for the lowest residential tax rate. I introduced a resolution against cutting local aid by the state that would affect our schools and town services.
I’m proud of the work I did as chairman of the Senior Center Advisory Committee and as the vice chairman of the Building Committee in planning, designing, and construction of our Senior Center. Our seniors deserve to have the best services. I worked for the acquisition and construction of the School Street Park. I was a proponent of building a new track and sports facility.
As a member and founder of the Agawam Track Committee I worked to move this much needed project forward. I co-sponsored a blight ordinance to help clean up eye sores. I’m a strong supporter and advocate for our veterans. I organized the first Drug Abuse and Prevention Forum.
I am a member and past president of the Agawam Rotary Club, a member of the Lions Club, the Polish American Club, Agawam American Legion and Friends of the Senior Center.
I taught in the West Springfield school system. I’m married to Margaret Bitzas. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
William Clark
What do you want to improve in Agawam over the next two years? That is the question that I have been asking residents for the past four years while knocking on over 4,000 doors. Residents want their roads paved, streets not to flood, sidewalks repaired, good street lighting, quality schools, sewers in South West Feeding Hills, affordable housing, help those addicted to heroin, dying tree belts removed, aging breaking water pipes replaced and lower taxes.
Through citizen speak time at city council meetings, citizen petitions, and press releases to the media, meetings with the mayor, requests to the DPW and more I have been advocating to help residents resolve these issues.
Mayor Sapelli has a pavement and sidewalk plan. Our streets are now being paved and constructed. As a city councilor I will ensure there is a real list and a plan to fix the flooding on Hall St., Meadow St., South Park Terr., Kellog St., and Paul Revere Dr. We have the money in the fiscal budget to work on these issues.
Knocking on doors in South West Feeding Hills was a learning experience. The stories I heard about sewage backing up into homes and needing to replace septic tanks twice in one year. Forty years of advocating has brought no resolutions causing me to research the issue and create awareness of why septics fail and how sewer construction is a need for health and safety.
Agawam’s 1972 Sewer Plan included sewers for South West Feeding Hills and we need to finish the plan.
Dino Mercadante
My name is Dino Mercadante, candidate for reelection to the Agawam City Council. I’d be honored to serve you the citizens of Agawam, as I have been these last two years. I am a businessman in Agawam for 40 years, highly accessible, and blessed with a common sense enough to understand what our citizens go through on a daily basis.
If reelected, I promise to work as hard as possible to make the lives of Agawam’s citizens better. I, through my business, have the unique ability to visit with you, the people of Agawam, seven days a week. I encourage you to let me address your needs.
The marijuana question is going to the voters. As a city counselor, I supported giving the people the chance to vote to legalize or deny the sale of recreational marijuana in our town. I was elected to represent the voters. They have the unique perspective to now know how not only the Commonwealth voted to legalize marijuana in general but also how close the town vote was.
They also can evaluate the local option of three percent the town can capture. Information is power and power lies with the people. I was elected to represent them, so whatever their voice is I will abide by.
As in all decisions made by counselors, we must be ever mindful to do what’s in the best interest of our residence. Letting the people decide for themselves whenever possible is always good and respects the democratic process.
Cecilia Calabrese
While serving as the Council Vice President, and member of the Legislative and Finance Committee, my peers from across the Commonwealth elected me Vice President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (the “MMA”), the District One Representative to the MMA Board of Directors, and to the Local Government Advisory Committee.
Consequently, I have a seat at the table regarding fiscal policies and legislation that directly impacts life in Agawam. I meet regularly with Lt. Gov. Polito on your behalf to advocate for initiatives that bring much needed resources to Agawam.
We must work to protect the high quality-of-life our aging population deserves to enjoy while continuing to live in our beautiful community. I have the experience to tackle issues that greatly impact our future. Statewide legislation of recreational marijuana and the financial consequences of Charter School enrollment greatly impact our operating budget and city services.
We need to fairly and adequately fund the rehabilitation of our stormwater runoff infrastructure and finally bringing sewers to Feeding Hills.
My service to the people of Agawam includes a substantial commitment of time to travel beyond our borders to meet with colleagues from across the Commonwealth and find solutions to issues that impact our day-to-day lives.
My husband, Michael, and I live and work in Agawam. We raised our two children here. As such, I have a vested interest in seeing Agawam continue as a vibrant community in which other families can otherwise live and work to keep Agawam thriving. I ask for your vote.
Robert Magovern
I’m asking you for the opportunity to serve as your councilor. It’s more important than ever to have a representative that’s familiar with town leadership and the process of how to get things done.
My roots are deep in the town of Agawam and I have a real appreciation for the history of our town. We are facing important issues that will shape the future. The concerns for most of us are really quite similar.
I want to be part of an effective and compassionate government that looks honestly at these issues.
Agawam is a truly wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. As we know all too well, times are hard. Money is tight and cities and towns are being forced to make tough choices.
As a native of Agawam, I understand the real world concerns of friends, neighbors and the people of Agawam.
As a city councilor in Agawam for many years, I’ve dealt with the budget problems of our city. I have tried to be innovative in ways to keep taxes low and build up a commercial tax base.
I’ll be honest and do what I think is right for the residents and the future of Agawam. I ask for your vote in November.
Ruth Cosimini
I’m Agawam born and raised. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m a new face with new ideas thinking outside of the box.
While I’m not necessarily a politician, I have an outside view. I’m willing to listen and do my best. I won’t make promises that I don’t think are feasible. Basically, I’m a new face, new ideas, a new outlook, but I love my town.
Douglas Reed
At the suggestions of a number of people, two years ago I decided to accept the challenge and seek a seat on the city council. Although I finished twelvth and missing out by only 106 votes I committed to run again.
I seek a seat on the council to bring a proactive, positive attitude to work together for the betterment of the residents of Agawam. I’m not seeking this position for the pay, the insurance, or my ego. My commitment is to help make Agawam the best place to call home.
My priorities are serving the residents as their representative for continued improvements in the quality of all aspects of living in Agawam. I would support term limits for elected officials, reduction of the size of the council, and completion of sewers for South West Feeding Hills.
Gina Letellier
Attorney Gina M. Letellier, Agawam City Councilor, recently announced her candidacy for reelection to the Agawam City Council, stating “It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Agawam as “Your City Councilor” and I ask for your vote again on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019.”
It was not an easy decision to seek reelection. However, I believe I continue to offer a unique perspective and background and the experience to analyze the tough financial and legal issues facing Agawam.
Agawam continues to face difficult budget choices. I have continuously proven my commitment to ensuring that our limited resources are well spent. I am the council to consistently scrutinize not only the budget, but also the year to date spending by departments, and to ask questions about unused monies. It is important to ask the questions on the record so that the public can hear the answers. Previously, I made the successful motion to cut the reserve fund and restore $250,000 to the school budget.
My priority for the coming term remains the budget and the budget process. I believe that by involving the city council prior to the release of the budget the town benefits from having a cooperative and open process. Questions should be encouraged. Agawam cannot continue to afford over budgeting and higher taxes. I also support updating Agawam’s zoning, much of it is outdated.
My commitment to Agawam extends beyond my service to the council. My son goes to the Agawam Public Schools and I have volunteered at many school events. I am a past President of the Agawam Rotary Club, past President of the Parish Cupboard BOD, and past President of the Agawam Democratic Committee.
I sponsored an Agawam Little League team and a Rosie Robotics Lego League team. I have been a volunteer attorney for the Habitat for Humanity, including winning a Friend of Habitat Award, the Massachusetts Justice Project and the Hampden County Bar Association. I volunteered my legal services to incorporate the Friends of the Agawam Public Library.
I ask for your vote on Nov. 5, 2019. To volunteer on Election Day, get a ride to the polls, or make a donation, please contact me at 537-7107. Thank you.
Anthony Suffriti
My name is Anthony Suffriti, I am announcing my candidacy for reelection to the city council.
As a lifelong resident, my passion has always been for the betterment of Agawam. Agawam continues to grow and that requires leaders who will listen to you and be your voice in your government
I promise to work tirelessly, to be fiscally responsible while addressing the needs of Agawam. There are challenges Agawam faces with unfunded mandates, deteriorating infrastructure and public safety to name a few. These will require Agawam to be financially and legislatively responsible.
Having a child in the school system keeps me aware of the needs in technology and in person teaching required for proper progressive development of the children in Agawam. Working in Emergency Services for the last 24 years I understand the importance of public safety as we learn together of the ever changing threats and addictions.
As the Vice President of a healthcare transportation company, I am always engaged in financial stability along with the best practices.
Together, we will address all of Agawam’s challenges, needs and interests. Together we will continue to keep Agawam and its residents safe, educated and economically strong. I am that leader.
Mario Tedeschi
Who is Mario Tedeschi? I have three kids in college (thank you Agawam schools!). My wife, who orchestrates our family life like a philharmonic conductor is waiting for those weekend getaways (she’s the best part of me). My business in town, Allied Flooring and Paint has 60 families relying on its success. I remodel/sell houses and manage rental properties “on the side.”
In my spare time I am on the Agawam Planning Board, Housing Committee, Municipal Golf Course Commission, recent Town Registrar and various sub committees.
For fun, I serve on the boards of the Agawam Rotary (We do the Christmas Concert, Harvest Festival and Summer Concert Series) and Captain Charles Leonard House (visit our Beer and Barbeque and Beer and Wine tasting events).
Why run for city council? I’m bored… just kidding.
Actually, I have always believed political positions should be filled by those who are "involved" but still wish to serve the community that has served them as well. Hopefully even make a few improvements along the way. Agawam has been great to me, plain and simple, and I would like to continue giving back.
f you want a city councilor to make tough decisions with all of Agawam in their heart, please vote for me. If I am so fortunate to win a seat, my promise is to be diligent, proactive and accessible.
Please vote Mario Tedeschi for city council!
If you don’t, my wife wins and every other Monday night just might become date night.
Gerald Smith
I am a 43-year resident of Agawam. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College and an MBA from Western New England University.
I taught business classes at Agawam High School for 35 years. During that time, I received several teaching awards. I also wrote the policy manual for the Agawam school system. Additionally, I prepared the athletic budget for 30 years.
I also coached basketball and baseball for many years. Upon retiring from coaching, I was inducted into the High School Coaches Hall of Fame. I also had the honor of having the new baseball field at the High School named Gerald “Gerry” Smith Field.
In 1981, I opened a new business, Agawam Auto School, which I operated for many years. My son, Gerry, still owns and operates the school. Thousands of Agawam teens received their drivers licenses through the school.
I have, with much help from my wife Anne, instilled in our children to give their talents to help other people. Anyone who knows our children (Gerry a.k.a. Boo, Lara and Shawn) know this is true. My wife and I are very proud of them.