Date: 2/23/2022
AGAWAM — Cecilia Calabrese, vice president of the Agawam City Council, announced her candidacy for state Senate last week.
Calabrese, who is in her ninth term as a city councilor, said she made the decision to run because she believes “it’s time to restore balance on Beacon Hill,” as she feels the region is not being well represented there.
“It has become increasingly clear that the decisions being made in the Massachusetts Senate are not consistent with the values and principles of the hard-working families of Western Massachusetts,” said Calabrese, a Republican.
“Politicians in Boston are completely out of touch with our concerns and our priorities. Our district deserves a voice on Beacon Hill that’s willing to stand up to the political establishment and be a true reflection of our community.”
If elected, Calabrese said she will demand “greater transparency” from the Massachusetts Senate. With the State House having been closed for more than 700 days, Calabrese said there is now a “cloak of secrecy” around the elected officials, which should not be tolerated.
Her likely opponent in this year’s election, state Sen. John Velis, said he agreed.
“I am a firm believer that part of the benefit to the State House is it being open,” as it provides the “political environment we need,” the Westfield Democrat said.
Velis has represented Agawam in the state Senate since winning a special election to replace former Sen. Donald Humason Jr. in early 2020. Calabrese said she’s worked with Velis many occasions, and “I do like him,” personally, although their views don’t always align.
“I’m not satisfied with his legislative style,” said Calabrese. “I would be a more proactive senator and would take [everyone’s] needs to Boston.”
Velis responded that he considers himself one of the most bipartisan lawmakers in Massachusetts.
“A good idea is a good idea. It shouldn’t be Democrat or Republican,” Velis said.
He added, “I owe Mrs. Calabrese a debt of gratitude” for making the Senate election a contested race. “It makes me a better candidate.”
Calabrese described her decision to run for state senator as an “evolving” one, as she said there were rumors about her running for statewide office back in the fall.
“People recommended that I run for lieutenant governor,” said Calabrese. Although she was flattered, she said, “I’m a Western Mass. girl,” and wanted to represent her region.
Aside from her work on the council, Calabrese has years of experience on the Massachusetts Municipal Association, an advocacy group that connects the local governments of cities in towns across the state. In 2017, Calabrese was elected to the Board of Directors of this organization, and became its president in 2020.
“I know how to advocate for the towns,” said Calabrese.
As of now, Calabrese is not aware of any opponents in the running for the Senate district. The current 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District consists of Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and a small portion of Chicopee. The district lines will shift next term, however, and the renamed Hampden and Hampshire District will add West Springfield while losing Granville, Southwick and Tolland.
Calabrese has taken out papers and is in the process of picking a core of volunteers to assist in her candidacy. She currently needs 300 certified signatures, and then she’ll be “ready to go.”
“I take pride in my deep roots … especially Agawam,” she said. “My family has deep roots here, going back multiple generations. My husband and I are proud small-business owners that have raised our children here.” Because of this, Calabrese said she has been able to make tight connections, making it more meaningful and “personal” for her.
“I will bring my passion for public service and my principled beliefs on limited and transparent government with me,” along with a “stronger voice to Boston,” she concluded.