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Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM In an effort to make her transition as smooth as possible for town employees and residents, Mayor-elect Susan Dawson has assembled a 16-member Transition Team to aid her in Agawam's future development. Last week Dawson announced the members of her team, which will meet on Friday to establish their goals for transition and outline courses of action. Her team includes Rep. Rosemary Sandlin, Louis Russo, chair of the Democratic Town Committee, Ronald LaRiviere, chair of the Republican Town Committee, Patty Souder of the Historical Commission, Edward Borgatti Jr., president of the Chamber of Commerce, Charlie Alvanos, financial expert, Frank Ameruoso, former superintendent, Jim Marmo, public safety expert, Henry Kozloski, chair of the Conservation Commission, Chris Johnson, former mayor and attorney, Donald Rheault, president of the City Council, Anthony Bonavita, vice president of the School Committee, David Cecchi, chair of the Historical Commission, Vincenzo Ronghi, executive director of Massachusetts Service to Seniors, Steve DePalma, at-large member and Michael Palazzi, business owner and managing member. Dawson said she is committed to furthering the objectives of the Transition Team as the facilitator of the meetings; however, it is the job of each member to bring their own expertise and objectives to the discussion table. She said that it's up to her administration to better Agawam and better inform residents about the objectives of town government. Borgatti spoke passionately about the needs of businesses in Agawam and the lacking relationship between the chamber and the current administration. He said communication, leadership and compromise are what have been lacking and needed in order for businesses to thrive. Borgatti said he is pleased with Dawson's reception of his cause and her willingness to work closely with the chamber. Bonavita said that as a School Committee member his primary concern is Agawam's public school system and its budget. He added that he wants the school's budget to remain intact as well as enhance school safety. Bonavita said he will act in an advisory capacity to Dawson and encourage her to consider the needs of the students and facilities. Cecchi said this Transition Team is "giving a voice to many [previously] shut out of town government." He added that Agawam cited historical preservation as a top priority but he has failed to see any such support. Palazzi said he felt that many townspeople have been brought out of the woodwork because of the fall of the current administration. He added that he is looking to aid Dawson in her understanding of business development as well as sustaining those currently here. Dawson said another priority is increasing public transportation, especially on Main Street. Ronghi explained that it will not be as simple as requesting a new stop location. He said the town will have to weigh the service and value of the increased transportation. Ronghi said while the increased service may be in the best interests of residents' daily convienence, it may not be the best value for the town's money. Dawson said she is eager to work with each member of her Transition Team and believes they will be well on their way toward change by the time she takes office in January. | ||||||
