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Date: 6/15/2022
CHICOPEE – The City Council continues to review appointees to city boards after establishing a new policy for interviewing each candidate. After Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation (WMDC) appointees Treasurer Marie Laflamme and Jim Hosey interviewed in a Human Resource Subcommittee meeting in May, the council approved both appointments during their June 7 meeting.
The WMDC board was at the center of extensive conversation regarding the Slate Conservation discussion. The quasi-public developer purchased an area of Slate Road property in 2009 for $1.45 million, with the developer’s presence sparking debate from locals who want the land placed under permanent conservation.
Mayor John Vieau assured residents there is no plans for development on the land. “I can tell you as mayor, this current administration has never had intentions of developing these two particular parcels…We want to be open and honest with everything we do,” said Vieau during a November 2021 Finance Committee meeting. Vieau said the land could potentially be utilized for a land swap in the future.
Ward 6 City Councilor Derek Dobosz and residents of the Slate community still advocate for the land to be placed under permanent conservation. Dobosz explained that the city could receive carbon credits if the land is conserved.
Laflamme, a re-appointment for the WMDC board, and new appointee Hosey, a veteran and former pilot, endured the interview process on May 24. Both appointees answered questions posed to them by constituents and committee members. Ward 9 City Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello represented the only opposing vote for Laflamme’s reappointment, citing a conflict of interest regarding her role as the city’s treasurer.
During the council meeting, members of the Slate Conservation Alliance spoke against Laflamme’s appointment in public input. Mary Hayner applauded Laflamme for her transparency but agreed with Pniak-Costello’s sentiments about elected officials serving on city boards.
“[There’s] a general sense that any person that holds an elected city of Chicopee office should not also sit on boards and commissions for or related to the city of Chicopee,” said Hayner. Other residents echoed Hayner’s stance during the speakout period.
Laflamme also spoke during the speakout period. She advocated for her reappointment by stating that her role with the city was not considered a conflict of interest during her initial appointment. “I do feel I can serve on that board, and I have the qualifications…I did ask when I first became the treasurer if it’s allowed [to be on the WMDC board] and it was,” said Laflamme.
City Councilor At-Large and Chairperson of the Human Resources subcommittee James Tillotson spoke in favor of Laflamme’s appointment. Tillotson explained Laflamme was “articulate” during the interview process and acted within her will during her time on the WMDC board.
Ward 1 City Councilor Joel McAuliffe said Laflamme is “highly-qualified” and will help find a tenable solution between WMDC, the city and concerned constituents.
“She volunteers for everything and gives back to the city on a regular basis. To think she would do something contrary to what the neighborhood or the residents of the city of Chicopee would want, I don’t find likely,” said McAuliffe. Ward 4 City Councilor also expressed support for Laflamme’s “well-rounded” qualifications.
Dobosz and Ward 3 City Councilor Delmarina López advocated against Laflamme’s reappointment. Dobosz argued that elected officials should not serve on boards or committees, citing a similar concern he has with two School Committee members serving on the city’s Planning Board.
“I think it’s a conflict of interest and I don’t think that should happen. I don’t have anything bad to say about [Laflamme], but I don’t believe elected officials should serve on the board,” said Dobosz.
The City Council ultimately voted 7-3 in favor of Laflamme’s reappointment.
In regard to appointing Hosey, the council expressed unanimous support for his inclusion. Pniak-Costello considered Hosey a “class act” who will bring valuable experience to the board.
“He has the experience and the education we need for this board,” said Pniak-Costello.
The council approved Hosey’s appointment in a unanimous vote.
The City Council will meet again on June 21.