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Date: 10/26/2023
AGAWAM — In advance of the town election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Each of the 12 candidates for the 11 available seats on the City Council was given the same list of six questions, to be answered in 75 words or fewer. Responses that exceeded the limit were cut off after the 75th word. The first two questions and answers were printed on Oct. 12 and the next two questions and answers on Oct. 19. School Committee candidate questions and answers were also printed on Oct. 12 and 19.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*).
New high school
Is the new high school project on the right track? Would you support funding a proposal similar to the new-build or renovation options now under discussion?
George Bitzas*: The new high school project is on the right track and I am open to both options. We do need a lot more information about the high school project. Why the cost is so high and why we get very low state reimbursement. As of today, we don’t have all the information of how much the average taxpayer will pay and how our town will pay for it.
Edward Borgatti: In order to keep Agawam a first-class community we must provide quality education with first-class schools. A new high school is essential in keeping Agawam a great place to live, work and raise a family. It is imperative we have public input, debate and discussion on the best way to move forward.
Susan Dawson: Agawam has been deemed a failing facility and will lose its accreditation if we do not remedy the situation. In examining the choices, I believe that using the existing building during construction will save the cost of modular classrooms, which will reduce the overall cost. Agawam has finally reached the top of the list at the School Building Authority. This will provide that financial assistance needed. Now is the right time to build!
Thomas Hendrickson*: I strongly support the proposal to build a new Agawam High School. Our public schools are our community’s most important asset. Unfortunately, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has warned Agawam that our high school is at risk of losing accreditation due to its inadequate, outdated infrastructure. I strongly support building a new high school that fully meets the needs of our students, teachers, and our community as a whole.
Dino Mercadante*: It is way too early, as the numbers that were referenced in the Left Field presentation were purely an example. My questions would be, number one, did we submit the best plan for maximum reimbursement from the state? Number two, how much of the project is a wish list and not reimbursable? Number three, what is the bottom line to the taxpayer?
Robert Rossi*: I favor renovation. The real cost of renovation has not been determined at this time; only tentatively the cost of a rebuild has been discussed. However, I believe if the cost of renovations can come in at least 60% of what a rebuild would cost, that would be a desirable option for me. There is a lot more information and specifics I need to know before I can judge cost/worth factors.
Anthony Russo*: The conversation around a new high school is progressing at an encouraging rate and I have been pleased with the level of transparency my colleagues and I have been able to provide for the community. That said, I agree that we need a new school for our students, but I am adamant about doing it in an efficient and responsible manner, considering the associated costs.
Rosemary Sandlin*: The need for a new high school is a given fact. Accreditation is at risk due to the science area. I will support the best possible proposal that not only meets the educational needs but is the best use of our tax dollars.
Gerald Smith*: Our present high school was put on probation after our last evaluation. We need to act now while we are still eligible for funding from the state. I like Option 1C, which will cost $226 million, but with possible funding of $64 million to bring down the net cost to $162 million. A good school system is a main reason why young families move to a town. Good schools keep real estate values high.
Peter Smus: We need to monitor the cost of each proposal and do what is right for our children. With that the town will also benefit. We also must look to get highest reimbursements that we can.
Anthony Suffriti*: Due to being assigned to the New High School project committee, I will answer with: It’s a big project both in scale and monetarily, my opinion is it should be left to the community for a vote.
Maria Valego: It is important to keep our residents in Agawam and Feeding Hills and not have them move in order to have a good education. Our students matter, and for the better of their future, a current infrastructure for our school(s) will provide a greater education along with growth, safety to meet today’s standards and the future to come. Our students are the future and they are what will make Agawam “strong,” generation after generation.
Unique attributes
What background, belief or skill would you bring to the City Council that nobody else in this race does?
George Bitzas*: I am a graduate of Westfield State University and I did teach at West Springfield Junior and Senior High School. As a teacher I know and I value the importance of good education. My experience as your city councilor for many years and my many accomplishments speak for themselves. As a member of Agawam Lions Club and Rotary I am getting in contact with many people and I hear their concerns and suggestions. I also … (75 words).
Edward Borgatti: I love Agawam and I am excited to serve our community. With a degree in business, a master’s in public administration and as the owner of E.B.’s restaurant for over 30 years, I know the pressures and responsibility that come with running a successful business. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will be a watchdog for your tax dollar, making sure our town is moving in the right direction.
Susan Dawson: I am certified in elementary education. I served on the Agawam School Committee. I was a paralegal in a practice that specialized in education and special education. I was a business owner of Advocacy Unlimited. I have been working in investments and property management. But I am the only person running who served as the mayor of Agawam.
Thomas Hendrickson*: I have a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy. I am also just 24 years old, about half the age of the next youngest councilor. My youth is an asset; I have a vested interest in the long-term prosperity of our community, and I am a liaison between the younger generation of residents and the town government, ensuring that our perspectives are represented and our issues are addressed.
Dino Mercadante*: As a lifelong resident, and owning my own business in town for 40 years, I believe I have a unique skill set and perspective. This, along with being presently vice president and three-term counselor, gives me a unique look from both sides. I have chaired the Finance Committee for two years, as well as a vice chair of the Community Relations Committee. Administrative and School Budget committees are also part of my council duties.
Robert Rossi*: I have been in public service to Agawam most of my adult life. First as a police officer, retiring as a lieutenant. As city councilor, I have learned what it takes to find solutions, to get things done. Attaining a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and a master’s degree in criminal justice studies and interpersonal relationships from American International College. I pride myself on strategic thinking, with tangible and predictable results to our future.
Anthony Russo*: As a union tradesman and a small business owner, I know what it means to do an honest day’s work, but I also understand what it takes to make ends meet running your own business. When you open a small business, you realize that you are truly on your own. You need to be a problem solver, but you also need to be pragmatic. That is the approach I bring to the council.
Rosemary Sandlin*: … Two decades of legislative experience as chief of staff to Sen. Linda Melconian as well as my four years as Agawam state representative. I served on the Agawam School Committee and will use this knowledge of budgeting to assist my fellow councilors in to provide the best fiscal results for the citizens of Agawam. I am a lifelong resident of this fair community, I raised and educated my children on our public schools and I … (75 words).
Gerald Smith*: I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration and taught and coached at Agawam High School for 35 years. I have been inducted into both the Massachusetts High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Forty-two years ago, I started and am still active in the Agawam Auto School in town. I have gained much experience by serving on the City Council for the past four years.
Peter Smus: I come from an industrial maintenance background and hope to bring a different outlook to the City Council. I’ve been an Agawam resident all my life and want to give back to the community. I raised my children here and look forward to being a part of the City Council to make Agawam the best choice for families to move to.
Anthony Suffriti*: Experience as a councilor has its benefits of government knowledge, and with 20-plus years in the private corporate business sector also brings its values to the council.
Maria Valego: Born and raised in Agawam. Homeowner in Agawam. Graduate of AHS — class of 1988. Education: BA of science and MA of science from Hamilton University; certified paralegal; certified private investigator; training from the Mass. Trial Courts (cop) and 30 years plus of dedicated and creditable experience. Strong knowledge of the Mass. General Laws. My background, skills and experience are only the beginning of what I will bring to the City Council.