Newest Agawam councilor eager to get started on sewers, business aid

Jan. 5, 2022 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — Anthony Russo was the only challenger elected to the Agawam City Council in the Nov. 2 election. Yet with 2,964 votes, he was the top finisher out of all candidates in the 14-way race that included all 11 council incumbents.

On Jan. 3, Russo was slated to begin his two-year term, following his induction prior to the City Council meeting.

As a newcomer, Russo said his priorities include working with his fellow councilors, Mayor William Sapelli, and with state representatives, to extend sewer lines into the unserved neighborhoods of Feeding Hills. While Sapelli and the councilors have already looked into reviving the project — promised since the 1970s and stalled since the 1990s — Russo hopes to get a “coalition together,” as finishing the task will require much work and millions of dollars.

Additionally, Russo wants to direct his focus to the new high school. Both Russo and his parents were graduates of Agawam High School. A third priority he mentioned is economic recovery from the COVID-19 state of emergency.

“During the pandemic, a lot of local businesses suffered,” said Russo. “I would like to build up [the] businesses we have and get back to where they were pre-pandemic. Also, I would like to build up economic development.”

Over the next two years, Russo said, “I want to get residents more involved. I want them to show up and make their voices heard.”

During his election campaign, Russo said he ran as an “advocate” for residents, in hopes of showing them that he cares about their input.

“Even before being elected, I met with the department heads, mayor, School Committee, city councilors,” and more, he said.

Since the election, Russo has expanded his meetings, including talking with state senators, additional meetings with the mayor, and so on. During these conversations, Russo said he has learned about proper City Council procedure, along with the rules and regulations town government must follow.

“I have been preparing myself as much as I can to join the City Council,” said Russo.
Over the past two months, Russo has been present at every City Council meeting, sitting alongside and observing the incumbent members.

Russo recognized Council President Christopher Johnson for his professionalism in “running a good meeting.”

Despite being a newcomer and knocking off an incumbent, Russo said, “Everyone welcomed me and [has been] very friendly.”

With hopes of the pandemic subsiding, Russo said he is hopeful to see more attendance at the council’s in-person meetings, which take place two Mondays a month in the auditorium of Agawam Junior High School. He acknowledged the pandemic as a reason for a low turnout, however, he claimed that prior to the pandemic, the audience was not much bigger.

“Once we get past [the pandemic], I would like to see more,” Russo said.

As far as challenges go beyond the pandemic, Russo hopes to see none throughout his term.

“I see good work with the mayor and City Council. I don’t see challenges aside from getting funding for projects,” such as the high school, Russo referenced.

As time goes on, Russo looks forward to learning, along with providing his own input and opinions on certain matters in town.

“I’m very excited [for this journey]. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.”

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