Candidates quick to charge at Dawson

Date: 6/23/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Candidates are coming out of the woodwork to challenge Mayor Susan Dawson for the front office at Town Hall.

This year's mayoral primary election could be the largest the town has ever seen, according to City Clerk Richard Theroux. Eight people have taken out nomination papers, he said; however, only former Mayor Richard Cohen and City Council Vice President Cecilia Calabrese are officially on the ballot.

Theroux noted that Dawson, City Councilor Paul Cavallo and residents James Cichetti, Peter Boadry, Allan Griffin and Derek Benton have also taken out mayoral papers but have yet to turn them into his office.

Dawson made her re-election announcement on June 16 before a crowd of 75 people at the Captain Charles Leonard House. Benton, an Agawam business owner, made his bid for mayor known on June 22.

"This is the time for leadership, not politics, and that is what I offer to the residents of Agawam," Dawson said.

When asked if she believed her highly publicized personal problems -- including the court proceedings concerning her assault at Max's Tavern in Springfield earlier this year -- would have an affect on the voters' opinion of her, she replied, "I give the voters of Agawam all the credit to choose [the right person for the job]."

Dawson noted that, despite her personal woes, she's completed many priorities during her first term -- including six of the seven she outlined during her campaign two years ago. She said in order to complete her seventh task she's working with the YMCA and a local developer "to help them find their way to Agawam."

Cohen told Reminder Publications his only focus is on his campaign and not the widening field.

"I believe that I have the experience and I have a proven record [to win votes]," he said. "I certainly made my mistakes but my accomplishments certainly outweigh my mistakes. I certainly hope that people will recognize the things that I did were in the best interests of Agawam."

He added that if re-elected he will look to lessen the impact of decisions made by the Dawson Administration including the proposed use of over $400,000 in stabilization funds for capital improvements during fiscal year 2010 (FY10).

"In order to have high bond ratings you need to have a good stabilization fund," Cohen explained. "You don't use that money for operational costs. [The proposal to use those funds in the FY10 budget] doesn't show long-term planning; it's a short-term fix and it's wrong. It scares me as a taxpayer."

Calabrese said her knowledge of Agawam's politics and overall experience separates her from the pack.

"On day one [in office] I can hit the ground running," she said, noting her experience as a private business owner and an elected official.

Calabrese was quick to add that Cohen may say he has the political experience but "Mayor Cohen doesn't have my experience in private industry."

She will make her official campaign announcement on June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Corey Colonial Condo Clubhouse.

Benton, a lifelong Agawam resident and real estate agent, explained that his "commitment to the community and community involvement" prompted him to run for mayor.

"I want the citizens of Agawam to get to know me and hear their views," he said. "There are going to be a lot of candidates running in this race. I hope that the citizens of Agawam will embrace my new vision and with new energy."

Benton noted his prior experience as an executive assistant to former State Sen. Brian Lees as well as his involvement in numerous organizations such as the Rotary Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Melha Shriners.

"Agawam is my hometown and a city that I love and I just see it falling behind in economic and business development," Benton said, adding that he will work with agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Business Development to help propel future growth.

The deadline to submit nomination papers to the the Clerk's Office is Aug. 18.

The preliminary election to narrow the field of candidates will take place on Oct. 6.

The town election is slated for Nov. 3.