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Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM The winds of change are blowing rapidly through Town Hall this year. Incumbent Susan Dawson, who ousted long term Mayor Richard Cohen from office, was sworn in Jan. 2. Much like the voters' desire for change, members of the City Council voted to turn over their leadership reigns to Gina Letellier and Cecilia Calabrese at last week's meeting. Letellier was nominated and defeated former president Donald Rheault by a vote of eight to three. Having served 12 nonconsecutive years as president, Rheault said he expects to continue his leadership role on a smaller scale for the next two years as chair of one or more subcommittees. Rheault attributed his tenure as president to his mottos of fairness and respect within the council and his firm and confident decision-making. Letellier, who has previously served as council president, said a top priority for the council is to review and clarify council rules and proceedings. She and Calabrese agreed that proceedings throughout each council meeting must be clarified, such as the number of readings for proposed ordinances and number of votes needed for enactment. Letellier and Calabrese said other top priorities include the possible drafting of a new parking ordinance and a decision on the proposed sewer extension project in Feeding Hills. Calabrese said she will also be proposing her own piece of legislation within the next few weeks regarding safety in school districts. She explained that she is very concerned about the safety of children walking to school throughout the city. Calabrese was reluctant to go into further detail about her legislation as it has not yet been completed or put before the council. Calabrese and Rheault both said economic development must be a top priority for the council over the next two years. Rheault said conditions for area businesses must be improved, the budget must be scrutinized and taxes must remain reasonable for private citizens in order to ensure economic growth. Calabrese explained that she is concerned about the diminishing amount of useable land for new commercial and industrial development in Agawam. She said a strong review of the remaining land but more importantly the previously developed land will help the council to determine the most effective use of the city's property. Dawson said she is currently creating an agenda that she would like to work closely with the council to complete. She added that she is looking forward to building strong relationships with each member of the council in order to obtain their overall goal of improving Agawam. For more information regarding the City Council agenda and their next meeting later this month contact Agawam Town Hall at 786-0400. | ||||||
