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Date: 8/31/2021
CHICOPEE – Thirteen residents have submitted nomination papers for the nine open, two-year ward seats for Chicopee City Council – Joel D. McAuliffe, Shane Brooks, Delmarina Lopez, George A. Balakier, Frederick T. Krampits, John Kivel, Alissia J. Heath, Derek Gregory Dobosz, William Courchense, Gary R. Labrie, Lisa Hagar, Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello and John Paquette Jr.
Reminder Publishing reached out each candidate, asking for a self-written introduction to present to the town. As we move closer to the election, Reminder Publishing will be conducting a question-and-answer interview with each candidate to discuss specific town issues and their viewpoints on each issue.
The following is introductions for the eight candidates who participated.
Delmarina Lopez – Councilor, Ward 3
Hola. I am a proud graduate of the Chicopee Public Schools, and native of Puerto Rico. I hold a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Bay Path University and a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law. I am also a proud 25-year-old homeowner in Willimansett, just a few streets away from my childhood home where my parents reside.
My commitment to my community, social justice and women’s rights has always remained at the forefront and led me to pursue a career in law. My civic engagement and social justice background include becoming the youngest person to serve as an intern at the Governor of Massachusetts’ Western Mass. office under the Patrick administration at the age of 16. I also served as a legal assistant and law clerk at the Secretary of State’s Western Mass. office from 2018 to 2021.
Committed to equity and social justice, I have also served on several political campaigns and was very involved on campus at Bay Path University and WNEU Law.
Currently, I am a licensed attorney in Connecticut, serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and am appointed to Chicopee’s Charter Review Commission. As Ward 3 city councilor, I will work with other councilors to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of our decision making. I will advocate for transparency in our local governance. I aim to continue to foster the relationships between the City Council and small business owners/local organizations to ensure that they are being properly supported and that our city’s youth and children are a top priority. For more information, please visit www.electdelmarinalopez.com. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running and am humbly asking for your support.
George A. Balakier – Councilor, Ward 4
I have been humbled and honored to have been your Ward 4 city councilor for the past three and a half years. As a city, we have accomplished much during that time, but we still have more work to do and need more time to accomplish this, thus I am seeking another term as Ward 4 city councilor.
My platform includes the following:
• Supports public safety
• Infrastructure improvement
• Economic developments
• Fair tax rate for homeowners and small business
To work on behalf of constituent’s concerns and problems with regards to potholes, neighborhood street repair and sidewalk repair, snow removal issues, parking, trash, unmowed grass, etc.
In addition, I look forward to the completed renovation of City Hall, implementation of “speed tables” and traffic safety of Front Street. I plan to continue involvement with the Planning Department regarding the Uniroyal Project, removal of the Bemis Pond Dam-lower design and economic development projects and to ensure grant funding instead of placing the burden on taxpayers. Further, I chair the Zoning Sub-committee, vice-chair of Claims and Accounts, preside on the License and Communications Sub-committee and Problem Properties Committee and have gained valuable insight on governing the city of Chicopee. Recently, I was also appointed to the American Rescue Plan City Committee by Mayor Vieau, to determine the best use of federal rescue money for the City of Chicopee.
In closing, I thank you for your continued support and ask for your vote on Election Day and look forward to serving as your Ward 4 city councilor. Thank you and God bless the fine citizens of Chicopee.
John Kivel – Councilor, Ward 5
My name is John Kivel, I am a proud resident of Chicopee. I have lived here for over a decade. I own a home and happily married to a woman that was born and raised here.
My residence began as a renter. In time we became proud homeowners, and home is where you hang your hat. I believe one should take pride in the city they live in. I want to see it prosper, evolve and succeed. You should be vested in the community as much as you care about your front lawn. That is why I have decided to run for City Council, Ward 5.
I am disappointed with the trajectory this city is heading, and I feel many are without a voice. I believe Chicopee is being neglected and has potential for so much more. I want to see road and sidewalk repair. I want to see first responders get what they need to do their job. Not work with less than they should be.
I am pro police. I want to help the Chicopee Police Department combat the out-of-control speeding in the city. I want to entice businesses to Chicopee. Ones that will generate tax revenue and create job quantity. We do not need another Cumberland Farms on a corner. We need real jobs generating income for our city and residents. We need more safe places for our youth to enjoy being kids, such as youth and mentor programs.
We need to bring back city pride. I want Chicopee to be a place that people move to and raise a family, not move out of. I want people to be proud to live here. Not consider it an interim place to live. I want people to come to Chicopee on a Friday night as a place of entertainment and embrace good spirits.
Frederick T. Krampits – Councilor, Ward 5
Hello, I am Fred Krampits, city councilor for Ward 5, and I am seeking re-election this year. I have worked hard not only for the residents of Ward 5, but the City of Chicopee as a whole. Working with the mayor, the city council, and other city officials, I have voted for balanced budgets, fair tax rates & fees.
Addressing “quality of life” issues is a prime concern. Working with police, health, building, and other departments, I help resolve constituent concerns and make Chicopee Falls a safe, clean, and enjoyable place to live. I continue to work for road & sidewalk replacement and playground upgrades at Ike Alpert Field. I believe a councilor should not only work for the good of their ward, but for the whole city. I have also voted to fund various public safety and public works projects.
In early 2020, the city faced an unforeseen event: the COVID-19 pandemic. Through collaborative efforts with various city departments, state and federal emergency funding, appropriations by the city council allowed the city to provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to our first responders and other city employees, to-go meals for our seniors, COVID-19 testing, and a vaccine clinic. We are still feeling the effects of the ongoing pandemic. As your Ward 5 city councilor, I will continue to work with the mayor, the city council, and department heads to continue to provide the needed resources to keep Chicopee strong.
I have been a customer service engineer for over 28 years at a local manufacturer, Hitachi Comark. I am a graduate from Chicopee High School and Springfield Technical Community College.
I have found that being the councilor of ward 5 is a rewarding experience and it has allowed me to help people. I will continue to do my best to represent my constituents.
Lisa Hagar – Councilor, Ward 8
My name is Lisa Hagar and I am running for Ward 8 city councilor. As a lifelong resident of Chicopee, I have seen the changes that have taken place in the city and the things that have not changed. This city’s strength has always been its people. If I am elected, I would like to make them my number one priority. Having modern, multiple, open lines of communication, more transparency to constituents, and planning for the city’s future to ensure it is welcoming and safe for families as well as business are my main goals.
I would like to see a city council that is more reflective of its population. We have more women and POC candidates that at any time before and I can’t help but see this as a good thing. New voices, new viewpoints, new ideas will help revitalize the council. If these last few years have taught us anything it’s that the old ways of thinking and doing things no longer apply in many instances. It has also taught us about the importance of our quality of life. We need to make sure we are planning for the future even as we respect the past. Let’s invest in small businesses, infrastructure improvements, the walkability of our neighborhoods, a support system for our at-risk populations, the arts, revitalize the downtown and much more.
This city is my home, I love it in ways that are hard to even articulate and Aldenville is the heart of this city. If I am elected, I will make sure that it stays a great place to live like it was for my grandparents when they arrived from Poland, those who live here now and those who will come here long after we have gone.
Gary R. Labrie – Councilor, Ward 8
I, Gary R. Labrie, would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for re-election to the City Council in Ward 8. I have represented the residents of Ward 8 since 2014. Being a lifelong Ward 8 Resident and also a 40-year tax preparer and business manager on Grattan Street in Chicopee. I am married with 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
Public Safety is the number one issue that I continue to work on to ensure that every resident feels safe in their own neighborhood and the entire city. I speak with the police chief and the fire chief on a regular basis to keep the lines of communications open between the Police and Fire Departments, and the residents of Ward 8. Roads, intersections and pedestrian traffic is a big part of Public Safety. I work with the DPW to make our neighborhoods safer for vehicles and for pedestrians to move around Ward 8.
Problem properties has become an issue city wide and I have served on the Problem Properties Committee for the last 8 years. Working with the Health Department and other department heads to identify and remedy numerous problems, not only in Ward 8, but throughout the entire city.
Lastly, Public Works is a major concern and I work with the DPW on a regular basis to point out areas that are in need of repair or reconstruction. With the stimulus money due to the city, I would like to see a large percentage of that money be allocated to the waste water treatment plant and the continuation of the sewer separation program which prevents sewer backups. The treatment plant is over 60 years old and is in desperate need of improvement.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Ward 8.
John J. Paquette Jr. – Councilor, Ward 9
My name is John Paquette Jr., and I am a candidate for Chicopee City Council Ward 9.
On Nov. 2, I will be asking for your vote in our city election. I grew up in Chicopee, attending the Chicopee public school system, and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in 1995. I built my first house in Willimansett and more recently bought a home in Fairview. I have background in transportation, quality control, and management for over the past twenty years. Communication, organization, and cost effectiveness are areas which have allowed my continued success, and with these values I plan to continue to ensure the public and city’s well-being and interests are being maintained.
If elected, I will work to make Chicopee more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive. I have interest in areas such as school’s infrastructure, funding for Police and Fire Departments, and giving the Department of Public Works the tools necessary to maintain the city’s streets and public walkways. We need to redevelop abandoned buildings, promote small business, and maintain a thriving city.
If elected, I will be accessible and responsive to the people. I plan to be the liaison between the people of Ward 9 and the city government. I recognize that your voice is essential in advocating the needs of the constituents of Chicopee. No matter your politics, you can trust my values, experience, and overall commitment to the great City of Chicopee.
Any questions/messages can be sent to my Facebook page @ Elect John Paquette to Chicopee City Council Ward 9 or electpaquette.chicopeeward9@gmail.com
Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello – Councilor, Ward 9
I am Mary Beth Pniak-Costello. I am running for ward 9 city councilor. I am a lifelong resident of the city of Chicopee. I graduated from Elms College with a degree in social work and elementary education. I have 2 master’s degrees; both are from American International College. I have a Master of Science degree in criminal justice. I have a Master of Arts degree in public administration. My degree in public administration has provided me training on how municipal government functions. I took courses in budgeting and public policy. This degree prepared me for dealing with issues on planning, zoning and municipal law.
I was appointed by three mayors to serve on the Planning Board and the Council on Aging. I served on the Planning Board for 17 years. I was chairperson for 11 years. I served on the Council on Aging for 16 years. I was chairperson for 2 years.
In 1997 I was elected to the Chicopee School Committee. As a member of the School Committee, I served as chairperson of the policy subcommittee and finance subcommittee. I also served as chairperson of the Career Tech Taskforce. The reason for the task force was to save CTE and expand the program. I was elected vice chairperson of the School Committee in January 2021. Recently I served as a member of the air quality and ventilation committee.
If elected I will advocate for public input on the use of COVID-19 relief funding. Public input is critical in the use of COVID-19 monies. Chicopee is slated to receive $38 million.
I will also address infrastructure, such as roads, sewers and street flooding. Quality of life issues are important to me – schools, proper zoning, crime, and a stable tax rate.
Reminder Publishing reached out to the following candidates but did not receive a response by press time: Joel D. McAuliffe, Shane Brooks, Alissia J. Heath, Derek Gregory Dobosz, William Courchense.