Cohen brings new attitude to this election cycle
Date: 11/11/2009
By Katelyn Gendron,
Reminder Assistant EditorAGAWAM Two years ago, then-Mayor Richard Cohen stood in the banquet room at The Oaks receiving condolences from campaign supporters.
Last week, a much different atmosphere filled the room there was live music, dancing and animated cheers as supporters celebrated Cohen's victory over mayoral candidate Derek Benton by a vote of 4,278 to 3,012.
"It feels great," Cohen said. "I'm really excited to have the opportunity [to be Agawam's mayor again]."
He explained his first priority entering office in January will be to meet with department heads and discuss the budget in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year and possible state budget cuts.
"I want the input of all department heads," Cohen said. "It's not a job you do alone, it's a job you do with everybody."
He added he will not stick to the hiring freeze of the current administration but rather ensure that "essential personnel" are in place where needed. Cohen said he "respects the current mayor" and will work with Mayor Susan Dawson toward a smooth transition.
City Councilors and School Committee members joined in the celebration for Cohen and their own victories at The Oaks. City Councilor George Bitzas was grinning with appreciation for his reelection and School Committee member Diane Juzba jumped around the room with enthusiasm saying, "Yeah, I won!"
"[The campaign for reelection] was a lot of work," Juzba told Reminder Publications. "I love the job of being a School Committee member and taking care of the kids . I'm just so happy!"
Bitzas said he felt "honored" that voters would elect him for another term.
Incumbents Gina Letellier, Jill Messick, Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Donald Rheault, Jill Simpson and Dennis Perry will join Bitzas on the City Council next year along with former City Councilor Robert Magovern and newcomers James Cichetti and John Walsh. City Councilor Robert Young failed to earn reelection, placing 12th.
School Committee members Anthony Bonavita, Roberta Doering, Shelly Borgatti-Reed and Linda Galarneau were reelected along with Juzba. School Committee member Jay Cameron failed to earn reelection and will be replaced by newcomer Kathleen Mouneimneh.
The atmosphere at Benton's election after party at the Headquarters Bar and Grill was lively; the facility thoroughly decorated in the traditional orange and brown. Benton entered the party at 8:45 p.m. brushing by reporters, refusing to comment on his loss.
In a written statement delivered the following day, Benton said, "I would like to first take a moment to congratulate Richard Cohen for successfully winning re-election yesterday. I truly wish Mr. Cohen the best of luck in his upcoming term as mayor . folks, I remain concerned, passionate, and enthusiastic about my home town! We have a great community that we should all be very proud of! Now, let's move forward, work together as a community, and improve the quality of life for us all!"
