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Date: 10/26/2022
CHICOPEE – During a brief Oct. 18 City Council meeting, the council approved a $29,717 fiscal year 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for new signage in front of the Police Department’s 110 Church St. headquarters.
Mayor John Vieau presented the grant during his Mayor’s Orders. Vieau explained that the funds will initially be expensed from the stabilization account to the Police Expense Account for Departmental Equipment before the grant reimburses the $29,717.
“It’s a message board that’s going to be out in front of the Police Department and the safety complex,” said Vieau.
City Councilor-at-Large Robert Zygarowski inquired if the grant would be repairing the department’s current message board or funding the creation of a new one. Deputy Chief Jeffery Gawron shared that the funding will provide a new message board.
Vieau expressed support for what the new message board can accomplish.
“There’s nothing more important than getting messaging out, so we’re excited to receive this grant and help with getting messages out for the Police Department,” said Vieau.
The council approved the grant order and the stabilization funding in a unanimous vote.
Voting update
Ahead of the Nov. 8 election, Vieau also provided an update on the city’s early voting process. He shared that early voting starts on Oct. 22 and runs through Nov. 4 at City Hall. During the weekdays, residents can vote from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the weekends will feature voting times from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents can also vote by mail. The deadline to request an early or absentee ballot is Nov. 1 by 5 p.m.
Some of the marquee races include the governor race between Democratic gubernational candidate Maura Healey and Republican gubernational candidate Geoff Diehl, along with their lieutenant governor running mates Kim Driscoll and Leah Cole Allen, respectively, and the 8th Hampden District state representative race.
Democratic candidate Shirley Arriaga, who defeated Ward 1 City Councilor Joel McAuliffe during the Sept. 6 primary, will face off against independent Sean Goonan, who previously ran for City Council in 2021. Both candidates are vying to replace state Rep. and Second Assistant Majority Leader Joseph Wagner after three decades of service.
The mayor implored all residents to make their voices heard during the upcoming election.
“Please exercise your right to vote, every voice should be heard,” said Vieau.
The City Council will meet again on Nov. 1.