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Date: 10/31/2023
CHICOPEE — In the upcoming municipal election, six candidates are vying for four councilor at-large seats including incumbents Robert Zygarowski, Frank Laflamme and Gerald Roy, current Ward 1 City Councilor Joel McAuliffe, current Ward 1 School Committee member Timothy Wagner and Sean Goonan. Longtime Councilor at-Large James Tillotson is not running for reelection.
Abigail Arriaga and James E. Tanhauser Jr. are running to represent Ward 1 on the City Council.
Incumbent Ward 2 City Councilor Shane Brooks is running unopposed.
Lucjan Galecki and Susan Goff are running for City Council Ward 3.
Current Ward 6 School Committee member Samuel Shumsky is running unopposed for City Council Ward 6 to replace Derek Dobosz who is not seeking reelection.
There is a contested race for the Ward 9 City Council seat between incumbent Mary Beth Pniak-Costello and challenger John Paquette Jr.
Incumbent City Councilors George Balakier, Frederick Krampits, William Courchesne and Gary LaBrie are all running unopposed for reelection to their seats in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8, respectively.
In advance of the election, in an effort to inform voters, Reminder Publishing asked all candidates the same series of questions on their candidacies and visions for Chicopee.
Below are their responses, organized in alphabetical order by last name.
How do you feel about your campaign?
Arriaga: I am confident in what my campaign stands for. Our campaign concentrated in connecting with the community and that’s exactly what we have done. Through this journey, I have gained valuable insights into the various challenges faced by the residents of Ward 1. It is reassuring to realize that we are not alone on these issues, and I am committed to addressing them effectively once elected as Ward 1 councilor.
Brooks: I have had the pleasure of representing the voters of Ward 2 for the past 10 years. With that being said, my campaign strategy doesn’t change from one election cycle to the next as it is all about connecting with the voters and hearing not only their concerns but their ideas for a better ward and a better Chicopee. In that regard I feel like the feedback I have received has been mostly positive as well as insightful when it comes to the challenges we all face.
Courchesne: As I’m running unopposed, I have no campaign, just business as usual taking care of my constituents and identifying and acting upon the needs of the city as a whole.
Goff: I feel confident. People who know me and have reached out and those I spoke with knocking on doors, know that I will advocate for the ward and get answers to their questions.
Goonan: This is my third time running for City Council at-Large and I think third time’s a charm. I’ve had the pleasure of engaging with many residents in meaningful conversations. It’s evident that Chicopee voters, like me, have common concerns and a shared desire for the city’s ongoing improvement. I’ve observed a receptive attitude among residents, that they are open to fresh ideas and willing to explore new approaches.
Laflamme: I am excited to be running for reelection to the City Council. It has been my honor to serve the residents of Chicopee as their City Councilor At-Large these last 14 years. During this time, we have accomplished a lot together, such as new schools and libraries, investments in key infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and Crossroads Fiber and the welcoming of new businesses and jobs to our city. I am passionate about our great city of Chicopee and serving you – my friends and neighbors on the City Council. I am also proud to have been elected as the President of the City Council by my colleagues on the council. I have been working hard to deliver results for our residents and I ask for your vote on Nov. 7 to keep moving Chicopee forward.
McAuliffe: Our campaign has been focused on bringing common sense to city government during these uncommon times. That is the kind of leadership I bring to the City Council with a master’s degree in public administration and a decade of service in state and local government. I’m running for re-election to the City Council, this time as an at-large candidate, to assure our residents have a representative who is laser focused on delivering results for them. That has been the story of my time on the City Council, from making Crossroads Fiber a reality, securing record funding for new roads and sidewalks, to leading the way on the Post 9/11 Memorial Park — I ran to get things done. If the voters of Chicopee value my professional background and experience, I would be proud to continue to serve them.
Paquette: I feel great about my campaign. The amount of support and well wishes from the residents is quite humbling. Anyone running for a political position has to put themselves out there for criticism and fortunately for me running an honest and transparent campaign takes some of the criticism away from me. I enjoy the interaction between myself and the people of Ward 9, the stories of “the way things used to be” from the longtime residents are very insightful and we could all benefit from the wisdom of these senior residents.
Pniak-Costello: I feel my campaign is going very well. It has been a pleasure meeting the residents in Ward 9. The residents are very kind and positive. They have welcomed me into their homes. I have enjoyed listening to their thoughts and ideas. My campaign and my time as a member of the council has been based on residents and listening to what they have to say. Residents are key stakeholders in city government. Their voices must be heard.
Shumsky: I feel very positive and fortunate to have this opportunity. While I’m uncontested, I have continued to make listening to residents a top priority. I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people throughout this journey that started three years ago. It has been an incredible journey and is something I haven’t and will never take for granted. I look forward to continuing to do the best job possible.
Tanhauser: I feel very confident and optimistic. Our campaign is a reflection of Ward 1 and its constituents. Campaigning is never easy, but it is very rewarding. I enjoy hearing from our residents and facing new challenges to tackle.
Wagner: I think it has gone well, although the season has been quiet. Response at the doors isn’t what it used to be even three or four years ago, so it has been hard to get a real pulse. However, I have had lots of people reach out to offer their support and encouragement, which gives me some hope. Even if I lose in November, I think this campaign season has been good, and my campaign has been productive throughout.
What are some of your top priorities/issues you would like to address in Chicopee?
Arriaga: Public safety is my number one priority. Everyone residing in our community deserves to feel safe amid their homes, children in particular are our main focus. They should be able to play and walk to school without any fear or danger. My second priority is education. It is vital that we as a community ensure our students have the necessary tools and resources to succeed in life. As a mother I take this to be of the utmost importance. By prioritizing public safety and education, we can create a better future for our community. Additionally, I want to help provide solutions to the financial strain that families are facing due to the increased cost-of-living. I will utilize my personal experience as a homeowner to develop effective solutions to address these issues that impact us in Ward 1.
Brooks: I would like to continue to work with the current administration to advance the progress that the city has experienced over the last four years. As we all are well aware, the Covid pandemic has adversely affected so many areas of our lives. It is my hope that the city under the leadership of the current administration we can continue the process of what is being defined as the new normal. The city was able to offer all essential services during the pandemic. My top priorities will be to continue to build upon the momentum that has been started with things like filling vacant storefronts, infrastructure improvements, fiscal stability, fully funded schools and maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the region.
Courchesne: My top priorities are to continue to fight for a code enforcement officer. A code enforcement officer is integral to cleaning up the city’s blighted properties and restoring the quality of life for so many residents as well as improving property values. It will also allow the city to identify those residents who may be in need of services and connect them to those services. According to the State of Massachusetts Crime Statistics, crime has increased every year since 2020. I believe we should reach out to our state and county law enforcement partners to assist us while we bring our department to full complement. I would like to see the expansion of our traffic division to include dedicated traffic enforcement officers to patrol the city in marked traffic enforcement cruisers. One of the biggest complaints from residents is the ongoing issue of people ignoring traffic laws. Our district officers are very busy and we must support them with the additional patrols. I will continue to advocate for a municipal food composting program. Removing food from our waste stream will save the city conservatively $250,000 to potentially $400,000 on tipping fees based on national and state averages.
Goff: Reducing speeds on side streets making neighborhoods safer to live and raise our families. Using grant funds to upgrade open space and parks to be all inclusive for all ages and all abilities to play, learn and grow together. Enforcing codes to ensure cleaner streets and safer neighborhoods. Community involvement with neighborhood watches. Open honest communication on how tax dollars are spent. Easy access to city documents and information.
Goonan: I will significantly improve pedestrian (and motorist) safety by creating ordinances that mandate better crosswalks across the city and redesign roads to slow cars down. I will improve the tree canopy by requiring the tree warden to replace any city trees cut down with two new trees within one year. I will improve neighborhoods by reforming the zoning ordinances to better protect residential areas and bolster neighborhood centers with mixed-use business/residential buildings. My focus is promoting small businesses, mom-and-pop stores, and mid-size businesses for the future vitality of Chicopee. Further large strip box-store/ drive-thru developments are not the way to go in Chicopee. I aim to expand city green space by preserving areas for conservation, like the Slate Road Conservation Area as well as various other small and large locations. I also think the budget can be scrutinized more, with a more public-friendly explanation of how taxes are spent.
Krampits: Quality of life issues — speeding, blighted properties, new roads and sidewalks, etc. — are a prime concern. I will continue my efforts to help solve those problems in Ward 5 and citywide. I work with police, health, building, Public Works and other departments to make Chicopee Falls a safe, clean and enjoyable place to live. I will support funding various public safety and public works projects in Ward 5 and throughout the city, while continuing to vote for balanced budgets and fair tax rates and fees.
Laflamme: As President of the City Council, I have worked hard to support our ward councilors as they advocate for our constituents. I hope to continue and expand on that collaboration as we address the needs of our residents. Whether it be addressing potholes on streets or tackling the challenges of keeping Chicopee an affordable place to live, we must continue to work together to get things done.
In a new term I hope to work with the mayor and City Council to secure the redevelopment of the Uniroyal property, continue to support our public safety, further revitalize our downtown with targeted investments, support our schools as we move to build a new Barry Elementary, and do all this while continuing to look out for the best interests of our taxpayers.
McAuliffe: Chicopee needs to start acting like the big city that it is. We are the second largest city west of Worcester, but you would never know it based on the gridlock caused by some obstructionist members on the City Council. Chicopee has missed out on major economic development projects because some councilors would rather score cheap political points than do what is right for the city long term. We need to grow as a city so that we can generate more commercial tax revenue which in turn will allow us to lower residential property taxes and increase city services. My goal is for Chicopee to be a smart growth community that properly balances the needs of our residents with the demands of a competitive economy.
Paquette: A big concern right now is the number of fatal accidents. I will communicate and work closely with the Police Department in an effort to reduce and hopefully eliminate these unnecessary accidents. Another issue is the roadways in Ward 9. There have been no upgrades in the last couple years unless associated with the water sewer separation project. We can no longer patch up potholes and the roads need to be properly upgraded. A priority I also have is the upgrading of all four of the Ward 9 city parks – these are essential in the mental and physical health of the children and all the residents of our neighborhood.
Pniak-Costello: My top priorities are, address quality of life issues. Many residents feel they are not being listened to by some city officials. They want their neighborhoods to be safe. Speeding and traffic is a concern. The residents want safe streets. They want ordinances to be enforced. Land use has become a major problem. Many residents are against spot zoning and desire to have zoning protect people that own property. With proper zoning and code enforcement the value of their homes will not go down. They want to live in peace.
Residents want taxes to be affordable. Services must be provided such as public safety, good schools and updated infrastructure. Many residents want the city to move forward by investing in services and salaries that attract competent employees. Residents do not want to waste taxpayers’ money. Residents want to spend money efficiently.
Residents want to see the expansion of business to generate tax revenue. The city is taking over Griffith Avenue on the Westover Airpark to expand business and expand the tax base. Many residents do not want a small business in their neighborhood to upset the quality of life by having a drive-through too close to their home or increased traffic that causes safety concerns for children.
The City Council must continue to support our schools. Children deserve a quality education. The council plays an important role in providing the funding for quality education. The City Council must continue to support our public safety departments such as police, fire and DPW. Residents have told me that they are proud of our Public Safety departments. Many residents feel that these departments provide a great service to the people of Chicopee. Residents want to invest tax money into city services. They do not want to waste money.
Shumsky: If elected, some of my priorities will include:
Tanhauser: Education: While Chicopee has made heavy investments into our public schools, the job is not finished. During my tenure as School Committee, we worked closely with administration and educators to attack the issues that most affect our students in the classroom. If elected, Ward 1’s advocacy for education will continue on a city level. Even if voters are not a parent/guardian, strong public schools positively impact property value for our taxpayers.
Competitive salaries: Our first responders, city employees, and educators see increased funding in the form of equipment and resources, but do they see enough funding for their salaries to remain competitive. We properly fund the profession, but do we properly fund the professionals?
Wagner: As I have said to others and will echo now, I hesitate to promise anything specific in the way of policy, although I would hope to work with the mayor, whoever that is, on addressing pedestrian safety issues and infrastructure concerns that many residents have. Other than that I have what I call my “Three T’s.” I promise to be transparent in everything I do and every vote I take, someone the voters feel they can trust to address their concerns, and someone who will promote and foster an environment of teamwork. This is who I have tried to be as a member of the School Committee, and I hope that I have shown that over the past two years.
What do you want voters to know before going to the polls on Nov. 7?
Arriaga: This Nov. 7, I hope to earn your vote. As a candidate for Ward 1 City Council, I want to bring positive changes and effectively represent you. I aim to address the key issues that affect our community. I believe we can overcome obstacles and create a bright future. Your vote is a representation of your trust. Together we can make our voices heard and steer our community towards a better future. I look forward to serving Ward 1 as your next city councilor.
Brooks: I would just stress the importance of having their voices heard, in my opinion it is so important for the residents to go to the polls and have a say in the direction of the city. For example, there is a non-binding question asking about changing the mayor’s term from two to four years in length. This is an example of the voters being able to shape the future of our city by way of their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Courchesne: With many new people running it’s a good opportunity to get to know the candidates, ask questions and take the opportunity to move Chicopee in a better direction with fresh new ideas.
Goff: I want them to know I am open, honest and will work hard for them. I will always return their phone calls, emails and have office hours at least once a month where we can discuss what is important to them. I am always open to new ideas.
Goonan: The city can be improved substantially, and I look forward to working with residents to accomplish this. One of the keys to making long term improvements is to revise the City Code, which guides the development of the city and quality of life of residents. Just one example of this, under our current City Code, if a parcel is zoned business, the owner may create a business with a drive-thru on that land without requiring a special permit from the City Council or anything of that nature. So, if you live next to a parcel zoned for business, you might find yourself subjected to loud drive-thru speakers on a daily basis without any ability to influence the situation, because unlike most other municipalities, Chicopee doesn’t even have ordinances governing drive-thrus. There is so much more that needs to be done and I hope to make some headway on these quality-of-life oriented improvements.
Laflamme: I am an experienced city councilor with the real-world experience to continue delivering results for the people of Chicopee. During my 14 years on the City Council, I have prided myself on answering every phone call and email and being an accessible representative for my constituents when they need me. I have also worked hard to collaborate with my colleagues and the mayor in the best interest of our residents. In 2021, I was elected by the members of the City Council to serve as President of the board and I pledge to continue to provide the important leadership necessary to keep Chicopee moving in the right direction.
McAuliffe: I want voters to know that being a city councilor is about more than just about talking; it’s about delivering results. With a decade of experience in state and local government and a master’s degree in public administration, I’ve worked diligently to deliver tangible results for Chicopee. Together we have accomplished a lot in my first few years on the City Council - and I’m running again to keep getting stuff done. When you cast your vote on Nov. 7, know that you’re not just voting for a city councilor, but for someone with a proven track record of action and who deeply cherishes the community of Chicopee. Chicopee is moving in the right direction; with your vote we can keep building on that progress!
Paquette: I am willing and able to work with all department heads as well as the mayor. Our current councilor voted against the mayor’s budget, jeopardizing city employees from being paid, voted against our city treasurer and against settling a city lawsuit. I will focus on each individual issue and investigate thoroughly, looking for the best outcome for the residents of Chicopee. Respectfully, I ask for your vote on Nov. 7 to become the next Ward 9 Chicopee city councilor.
Pniak-Costello: When voters go to the polls on [Nov. 7] I want them to know as their councilor I will work hard to advocate for services that will make the city better. I will continue to bring change by being an independent voice and listen to the residents. I will continue to have office hours so that residents can meet with me. I want to thank the voters from Ward 9 for making Ward 9 a great place to live. The ward is a great ward because of the residents and their concerns and hard work.
Shumsky: Elections, whether at the local, state, or federal level are essential. However, the most significant changes, I believe, can be done locally, through our municipal elections.
Over the last three years, I have had the honor of serving Chicopee on the Planning Board for two years, and six months as vice chair, and as the Ward 6 representative on the School Committee. On both committees we have accomplished so much. While serving on the School Committee, alongside former Assistant School Superintendent Matt Francis, we secured funding to put STEAM labs in every elementary school in Chicopee to help build the foundation for our CTE and Expanded Pathways programs. Additionally, I am proud that I personally had the opportunity to nominate and participate in the hiring of our new Superintendent, Dr. Marcus Ware. During my tenure on the School Committee, we passed two budgets that realized record funding, created a $11 million school stabilization fund, and so much more.
I hope to be able to continue such efforts and successes as a city councilor. I believe that my experiences serving on these boards and committees has given me a great appreciation of the needs of the residents, students, parents and businesses. I’ve learned that collaboration and partnerships are essential to growth for our community.
And… I think that I may also benefit the council by adding a youthful perspective. I can assure my constituents that I will always work with the council and mayor to help make Chicopee competitive in the 21st century. If elected, I may be the first person born in this century to serve on our City Council!
Tanhauser: I believe it is vital for voters to know that our campaign has been focused on for Ward 1 for nearly 10 years. As a School Committee representative, I formed many connections with top stakeholders in our community. If elected, I will be able to hit the ground running and immediately make an impact on day one.
Wagner: Given that I am fairly new to the Chicopee political scene, I think it’s proper to sort of introduce myself and give my resume. So, to the residents, hello! I’m Tim Wagner and I’m running to be your Councilor At-Large. I am a graduate of Chicopee Comprehensive High’s CTE Program. In my senior year there I was elected to be the student representative on the School Committee. After graduation I ran for and was elected to the Ward 1 School Committee seat, where I became the youngest member to serve since former State Rep. Ken Lemanski at just 19. In that time I have voted for substantial raises for teachers, voted for a new Anna Barry School, and put forward policy changes to have all School Committee meetings recorded. Also in that time I was studying full time at Springfield Technical Community College and got my associates in cybersecurity. Currently, I work full-time in the Big Y IT Department. I may only be 20 years old, but my experience in public service is varied and extensive. I have served as the vice chair of the Charter Review Commission, a member of the Chicopee Historical Commission, an intern for then State Rep. Jake Oliveira, and an intern for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s office. I hope that you, the residents, place your trust in me and help me become your next Councilor At-Large. Any residents who wish can reach me at my cell phone number: 413-459-0364 or my email: tim@wagnerforchicopee.com.
Zygarowski, Roy, Galecki, Balakier and LaBrie did not respond to the questions as of press time.