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Date: 10/26/2023
AGAWAM — In advance of the town election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Both candidates for mayor were given the same list of eight questions, to be answered in 75 words or fewer. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Education policies
What changes would you advocate in local education, in the mayor’s role as chair of the School Committee?
Cecilia Calabrese: Every parent wants their child to thrive and succeed in life. An educational experience tailored to that child’s strengths is vital to achieve success. I advocate cooperation between parents and teachers, with the goal of school and home life working as a team for a brighter future for Agawam youth. Not every child is college-bound. Our schools need to teach critical-thinking skills that every person needs to be productive.
Christopher Johnson: I believe one of the most critical issues today is bridging the learning gap caused by the pandemic. I would advocate for continued support for students adversely affected by their extended absence from the classroom during the pandemic. I would also advocate for the introduction of more technical educational opportunities.
Tax rates
Are residential and commercial property taxpayers treated fairly in town? What split factor would you recommend to the council this year?
Cecilia Calabrese: A survey of surrounding communities demonstrates that Agawam’s split tax rate is fair and equitable between the residential rate and the business/commercial rate. We will have the ability to use our competitive tax rates to draw new residents and more businesses into Agawam. As mayor, I will highlight our competitive tax rates to businesses unfamiliar with our community. Drawing more businesses to Agawam will relieve the tax burden on our residents.
Christopher Johnson: I believe that residential and commercial/industrial taxpayers are currently treated fairly. I would advocate for lessening the shift to commercial/industrial taxpayers in the future as they create significant employment opportunities, and we must be mindful of the cost of doing business as compared with surrounding communities.
Affordable housing
Where does affordable housing rank among your priorities? What specific actions would you take to encourage or oppose low-income housing?
Cecilia Calabrese: Pleasing senior and workforce housing are vital to the bright future of Agawam. When people live and work in Agawam, as I do, pride-of-ownership thrives. Instead of thinking in terms of “low-income” we need to think of housing in terms of what is in the best interests of the long-term future of Agawam residents. I have the fresh ideas regarding housing that Agawam residents are looking for from their next mayor.
Christopher Johnson: Creating affordable housing opportunities for senior citizens looking to downsize and remain in Agawam along with young adults who were raised in Agawam and are looking to stay in town is one of my top priorities. I believe with some recent initiatives created at the state level, Agawam will be able to offer more affordable housing.
Streets and sidewalks
Would you continue the extra street and sidewalk spending, above the usual Chapter 90 budget, of the past six years? Why or why not?
Cecilia Calabrese: Infrastructure is the foundation of any community. As mayor, I would form a coalition with mayors from surrounding cities to work with our legislative delegation on Beacon Hill to modernize the Chapter 90 formula. Instead of being based upon population, Chapter 90 should be based upon road mileage. In that way we can bring more tax dollars back to Agawam from Boston and ease the financial burden our citizens face here at home.
Christopher Johnson: I would continue to invest in street and sidewalk spending. Agawam needs to continue our investment in all facets of our infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, water and sewer improvements and storm drainage work.
Budget changes
What’s a program or category of spending you would look to begin, or end, as part of your first municipal budget?
Cecilia Calabrese: I am the only candidate that fought against costly and unfair increases in water and sewer rates. Rate increases came when Agawam residents had to choose between buying groceries or gasoline. As mayor, I will propose a budget that will ease the tax burden on our citizens. I will sit down with all department heads to analyze their costs. I have an 18-year track record of fighting against increased taxes and fees.
Christopher Johnson: I plan to review all town spending with an eye toward reducing expenditures while maintaining or improving services to our residents and businesses. I believe that we need to examine the need for any position that becomes vacant due to attrition, and make sure that we get the maximum from every tax dollar.
Infrastructure needs
Apart from the police station and high school/ECC projects now underway, what do you see as Agawam’s top infrastructure needs?
Cecilia Calabrese: Feeding Hills residents have been asking for sewers for decades. Their pleas have fallen on deaf ears of four mayors now, including my opponent. Further, we need to negotiate options to bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to every house, including wireless internet. As mayor, I will work to find fiscally responsible solutions to the lapses in infrastructure that all other mayors have ignored for too long.
Christopher Johnson: Other than the ongoing capital improvement projects, I believe we need to explore the construction of a new town hall facility. Our existing facility is dated and not efficiently laid out to meet the current demands of our community. A new facility would allow for meaningful reorganization and increased efficiency.
Three guarantees
What three goals can you guarantee you will accomplish in the next two years, if elected mayor?
Cecilia Calabrese: As mayor I can make these three guarantees: 1. Cutting taxes for the people of Agawam is my Number 1 priority; 2. A Calabrese administration will be a transparent administration; 3. I will never engage in political cronyism with appointments to town positions.
Christopher Johnson: I guarantee to work hard to do what is best for Agawam and Feeding Hills with an eye toward making our community a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Unique attributes
What differentiates you from the other candidate in this race? What would you bring to the mayor’s office that nobody else can?
Cecilia Calabrese: I chose to establish every one of my businesses in Agawam. My opponent chose West Springfield. I am the fresh voice with new ideas Agawam residents deserve. I have the experience to bring those ideas to life. Public service is a privilege. I will never forget that I work for you. My 18 years of experience on City Council has equipped me well to hit the ground running on Day 1 as mayor.
Christopher Johnson: I believe my experience and clear track record as Agawam’s first mayor separates me. I currently serve as council president and have a great working relationship with all my fellow councilors. I will be able to effectively serve the residents and businesses of our community on Day 1.
Reminder Publishing also printed questions and answers with the Agawam City Council candidates (part 1, part 2, part 3) and Agawam School Committee candidates (part 1, part 2).