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Date: 1/28/2020
CHICOPEE – School Committee member James Tanhauser appeared before the City Council on Jan. 21 to ask them not to appoint an interim member to the School Committee to replace Michael Pise, a former at-large member who is now Mayor John Vieau’s chief of staff.
Tanhauser noted the council has the right to appoint an interim person but he believes either the people of Chicopee should elect someone to that position through a special election or the seat should remain unfilled until the next regular election.
He said he understands that two residents have approached the council for consideration of the interim position. While he did not criticize the potential candidates he believes either of his suggestions would be better for the city.
He urged the council to “do what is right, not what is easy.”
As Tanhauser spoke during the public part of the meeting, there was no reaction from the councilors.
During the speak-out portion of the meeting, Assessors Victor Anop and Brian Suchy enlisted the council’s aid is selecting the 15 senior citizens who had applied to participate in the tax work-off program. There were 22 applicants and the councilors took turns drawing names out of a large can.
In other action, the council approved a transfer of funds to pay for a repairs to the Department of Public Work’ excavator and loader, which are both about 20 years old.
After some discussion the council also approved $20,200.32 to compensate Mayoral Chief of Staff John Beaulieu for the period of Jan. 6 through April 30. This is a transition period, as Vieau has appointed Pise as his chief of staff.
The idea behind the temporary appointment was to provide continuity between the Kos and Vieau administrations concerning the management of several on going, Pise explained to the council.
Councilor James Tillotson said he had received several calls from constituents asking why the city now required two chiefs of staff.