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Date: 11/14/2023
CHICOPEE — Mayor John Vieau was jubilant and thankful for his win on Election Night but he made a point of understanding there are many voters who did not support him and pledged to work for them.
“For those who didn’t vote for me I hope I will win their trust,” he said.
He admitted, “It was closer than I thought.” A supporter at the victory party at the Portuguese American Club shouted back, “A win in a win.”
City Councilor Delmarina Lopez earned 42.21% of the vote with 3,695 votes to Vieau’s 57.79% and 5,058 votes. There were 26 write-in votes and 58 blank ballots.
The results came quickly after the polls closed at 7 p.m. By about 7:45 p.m. the Vieau campaign, which closely monitored the results, declared victory.
In 2021, Vieau ran unopposed and 12.39% of the registered voters participated. This year the number of voters grew to 21.56%.
The City Council showed some change. Veteran ward City Councilor Joel McAuliffe was not successful for the open at-large council seat, created by the departure of James Tillotson, which went to former School Committee member Tim Wagner.
In the Ward 1 council race Abigail Arriaga won over James Tanhauser Jr., a former member of the School Committee. Former Councilor Lucjan Galecki was narrowly defeated by Susan Goff for the Ward 3 seat. Running unopposed in Ward 6 was Samuel Shumsky. Ward 9 Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Piniak-Costello defeated challenger John Paquette Jr.
There were no races for the School Committee with new members such as Deanna Rousseau being elected along said veteran members.
There was one non-binding ballot question that asked voters to change the term of office for mayor from two years to four. Fifty-nine percent were in favor while 40% opposed it.
Vieau made the remark that he was in favor of the term change because he explained in the first year a mayor attempts to fulfill an agenda but in the second year, the reelection effort can take precedent.
“It’s in the best interest of the city to have a four-year term,” he said.
“When Chicopee is doing well, you don’t change,” Vieau said. He added “I can’t wait to get back to work.
Lopez, who would have been the city’s first woman and person of color to hold the position, was left to reflect on a campaign that she believed broke the mold of local politics.
“We inspired people to come out and vote. We inspire people to see themselves in leadership positions,” Lopez said at the Rumbleseat Bar & Grill, where she addressed her supporters after the polls closed.
Lopez ran a campaign that focused on community issues, including relations with the police and improvements to local education, pushing for transparency and accountability in city government.
“It showed them that the people are watching and that nobody is safe,” Lopez stated, underscoring the impact of her campaign on the city’s political climate.
On the trail, Lopez heard from residents about their concerns about public safety, education and the current administration’s financial decisions. “Residents were concerned about the current administration putting millions into a reserve account and not putting it back into the city,” she reported.
Despite her loss, Lopez’s campaign has made significant strides in representation and highlighted the demand for diversity in local government, she said.
“This is one campaign, and there will be many more,” Lopez promised, noting her historic status as the first Latina and person of color elected to the City Council. She remains hopeful for the future, “We’ve made historic changes on the council in and of itself.”
Lopez plans to carry the connections and support she gained from residents and business owners into the future. “It’s inspiring to know that so many residents were so excited about a new option, about a new leader,” she reflected.
She wants her campaign to serve as a catalyst for further diversity in Chicopee’s political sphere. “I hope to see more diversity occur in all of our city positions,” she said.
In her address to supporters, Lopez was proud of her campaign’s effort and outreach. “Even though we may have come a little short, I’m at peace with that,” she said.
Lopez spoke directly to her opponent and the current city administration. “Every politician that told me that there was no way because no one would know my name ... they know our name, so watch out,” she stated, highlighting the recognition her campaign has gained.
She turned the focus to the future, what lies ahead for Chicopee, and the potential for continued civic engagement. “I am excited for the future of Chicopee. I am excited for what’s to come,” she added.