CHICOPEE – After opting to conduct interviews with Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation (WMDC) Board of Directors reappointments, the City Council approved Edward Czepiel’s reappointment during their May 3 meeting.

The WMDC board continues to be a central fixture regarding Slate Conservation discussions. The developer purchased an area of Slate Road property in 2009 for $1.45 million, with the developer’s presence sparking debate from locals who want the land placed under permanent conservation.

Ward 6 City Councilor Derek Dobosz and members of the Slate Conservation Alliance advocated for all appointments of the WMDC board to go through an interview process in a Human Resources Subcommittee meeting during the council’s April 5 meeting. The council ultimately approved Dobosz’s request.

Human Resources Subcommittee

The Human Resources Subcommittee hosted their public interview with Czepiel on April 25. Slate Conservation Area Alliance member Mary Hayner posed seven questions to Czepiel.

When asked about his vision for WMDC, Czepiel stressed that he will work on behalf of Chicopee. “I’ve lived in this city for 75 years and I look at this city as a whole, not one neighborhood,” said Czepiel.

Hayner inquired if there were any situations that would hinder Czepiel’s obligations to the WMDC board. Czepiel said there are “none whatsoever.”
In regard to Hayner’s other questions about WMDC’s meeting transparency, WMDC’s property ownership in Chicopee and Slate Road, Czepiel said he has “no comment.”

When asked why WMDC reappointments Treasurer Marie Laflamme and Jim Hosey were not present for interviews, City Councilor At-Large James Tillotson explained they were out of town and would undergo the process during the subcommittee’s next meeting.

Ward 4 City Councilor George Balakier spoke in support of Czepiel’s reappointment. He considered Czepiel as a “civic-minded” individual who has a “pulse for what’s going on in the city.” City Councilor At-Large Robert Zygarowski also expressed support for Czepiel, citing his service to the city as the Chicopee Fire Department’s Deputy Chief.

Dobosz said he will not support Czepiel’s reappointment due to his lack of transparency. “It’s nothing personal, but we have no line of communication. There’s no transparency. I have no reason to support this appointment tonight,” said Dobosz. Ward 3 City Councilor Delmarina López also said the candidate should answer questions regarding his appointment.

“The public has stressed time and time again that they want answers,” said López.

The Human Resource Subcommittee ultimately recommended Czepiel’s reappointment in a 3-1 vote. The reappointment is not official until it is approved by the City Council.

City Council

At the May 3 meeting, Czepiel advocated for his reappointment during public input. “I believe my resume of experience and education, which I presented to the Human Resource subcommittee, speaks for itself,” said Czepiel. The 16-year WMDC board member also said he was advised by three attorneys to only speak on his experience when addressing questions.

In response, the councilors reiterated their mixed sentiments about Czepiel’s reappointment. Dobosz stressed again that the council must hold WMDC appointees accountable.

“WMDC manages a massive amount of wealth…the only way they are held accountable is through the City Council, so if they don’t answer questions, how does the City Council hold them accountable?” questioned Dobosz. Ward 9 City Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello agreed that Czepiel should have addressed constituent questions.

Ward 1 City Councilor Joel McAuliffe argued that the Human Resources meeting was not the proper forum for Czepiel’s interview.

“An HR subcommittee is not conducive to that type of environment…I don’t know about any of you, but if you were in the same situation, I think you would be careful with your words because you wouldn’t want to get sued for any reason,” said McAuliffe. The councilor shared that he also plans on creating a forum meeting between WMDC and the public where questions can be addressed.

McAuliffe believes that the two sides need to work on developing a trusting relationship. “These are two sides that have varying different opinions on things. To find common ground, we need to deescalate the rhetoric. We need to deal with facts,” said McAuliffe. The councilor said he is in favor of the reappointments because each of the candidates acted within their responsibilities while serving.

Ultimately, the council voted to reappoint Czepiel in an 8-3 vote.

The City Council will meet again on May 17.