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Date: 10/26/2023
AGAWAM — Only eight of Agawam’s 11 city councilors are running for reelection, with current councilors Christopher Johnson and Cecilia Calabrese running for mayor, and Councilor Paul Cavallo retiring. Those who are in the 12-way race for 11 seats say it’s been a relatively quiet campaign through the summer and into October.
George Bitzas said he is not going to fundraisers or asking for any money, as people already know him. He doesn’t intend to spend any money this year.
“The only things I ask for the people is to continue to support and to vote,” he said.
He also said he likes to talk to people and volunteer at the senior center. Asking for people’s opinions, getting their advice, and what they want to happen is his best campaign, he said.
The other councilors were similarly low-key, with Robert Rossi calling this campaign “quiet.” Gerald Smith is similarly talking with people where he finds them, such as on Facebook or at athletic events.
“I haven’t spent one penny,” Smith said, noting the signs he’s using are from four years ago.
Dino Mercadante said council members have to continually work hard. If they do their job, he said, the campaign will take care of itself.
Both Thomas Henrickson and Anthony Russo have said they’ve gotten positive feedback from their campaigns. Henrickson said he has yard signs, a mailer with information about his policy platform, and he might do a stand-out.
The majority of the candidates listed the proposed new or renovated Agawam High School as their top issue. Hendrickson supported building a new school, saying it’s needed in order to provide students and the community the best education they can be given. Smith also said he was in support of a new school, citing the need to take advantage of $50 million to $60 million in reimbursements being offered by the state that would be lost if the current proposal fails. Nonetheless, he’s “going to go along with whatever the constituents want, as [he’s] done right along.”
Russo also supported building a new school but said the town needs to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, as there are people with fixed incomes they need to take into consideration. Fiscal responsibility was also a concern of Rossi’s, who said it applied to the police station move, as well.
“All of that stuff costs money so we have to think very carefully what our needs are and what we can afford,” he said.
Mercadante thought it was tough to have an opinion on the high school project without seeing the concrete numbers first.
“I’m not against it,” he said. “I just want to make sure we have all the information to make an intelligent decision.”
Other issues include taxes, which Bitzas said he helps keep low, voting during last budget season to lower the residential tax rate. Bitzas also said the budget for sidewalk improvement should be doubled.
Rosemary Sandlin is hoping the town will build more sidewalks so people can walk instead of drive. Other issues for her are the town’s zoning, charter review, and safety when crossing Mill Street to the high school football field. Transparency was also important to her.
“I really believe that you have to be as transparent as possible in government,” she said.
Councilor Anthony Suffriti was not available for comment.
Both Sandlin and Bitzas said they were proud of the votes they made to start property tax work-off programs for seniors and veterans. Russo said he was proud of his vote to get a new police station, calling the current one a “very old building with failing infrastructure” and saying he’s happy to fund public safety. Hendrickson said he was proud to vote against the town clerk’s plan to not have early voting and mail-in voting this year.
“I was aware that I was probably going to be in the minority on the council. I still voted against cutting it,” he said.
Mercadante and Rossi said they were proud of every vote they took. Mercadante said he has never missed a committee or council meeting, and that all votes are important. Rossi said he votes on the best interest of the community, never based on personal matters.
Asked about their final pitch to voters, Smith pointed voters towards his qualifications, which he has posted on his Facebook page. Sandlin cited her experience as a state representative and School Committee member, saying she also brings “consistency and a level mind.” Russo said he gives back to the community, noting he donates his councilor stipend to sports leagues and families in need.
“I didn’t do this for the money. I did it because I love Agawam,” he said.
Rossi also mentioned the community, saying he always has voters in mind. Bitzas said he is proud to support the community, to the best of his ability, with honesty, integrity and common sense. Mercadante said he is available to talk to all the time and has worked on issues with people. Hendrickson said he is the youngest member of the council and has a long-term vested interest in the community.
“I’m going to be living here for many years to come,” he said. “I want to make sure we’re building a strong future for the community.”