Russo, 1st in election, will be only new city councilor in ’22

Nov. 9, 2021 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

Agawam City Councilors Christopher Johnson, third from right, Paul Cavallo, second from right, and Dino Mercadante, right, were among the crowd watching the precinct reports add up at Mayor William Sapelli’s victory rally at the Italian Sporting Club on Nov. 2. All three were re-elected.
Reminder Publishing photos by Lauren LeBel

AGAWAM — Anthony Russo was not just the only challenger elected to the City Council last week. He was also the top finisher out of all candidates in the 14-way race that included all 11 council incumbents.

“I am shocked,” Russo said on election night. “I am humbled. This was so unexpected.”

He had been hoping just to make it onto the council, period. Russo surpassed all incumbents by receiving 2,964 votes on Nov. 2. Following him were longtime councilors George Bitzas (2,816 votes), Cecilia Calabrese (2,768), Christopher Johnson (2,637) and Paul Cavallo (2,633), then fellow incumbents Dino Mercadante (2,601), Rosemary Sandlin (2,574), Anthony Suffriti (2,464), Gina Letellier (2,379), Robert Rossi (2,331) and Gerald Smith (2,309). The 11th incumbent on the council, Mario Tedeschi Jr., finished 13th, with 2,235 votes. Ahead of him, challenger Thomas Hendrickson finished with 2,244, and in last place was Peter McNair at 2,146.

Russo went on to say, “I can’t thank the people of Agawam enough. My vision was received.” He said he wished he had done more door-knocking, as one of his main goals was trying to create a personal interaction with everyone.

Russo said his run for a seat on the council stemmed from his father’s years of experience as an Agawam city councilor. His father always made it about the people and listened to them, Russo said.

Above all, Russo thanked his parents for their continued support.

“My mother is the hardest worker I know. It gives me drive,” he said.

Johnson, the council president, said, “I believe that Anthony will be a positive addition to the council. He brings a tremendous energy and new perspective to the council, and I look forward to working with him during the next council term.”

He added, “With the loss of Mario Tedeschi, the council and the town are losing a dedicated and hardworking advocate who truly cares about our community. Mario is one of the nicest people that I have ever encountered in my life, and I will miss working with him on the issues that affect Agawam.”

Johnson said he would “be happy to continue” serving a council president. After the new council term begins in January, the councilors will elect a president and vice president from among themselves. Johnson and Calabrese have served in those two roles for the past four years.

Johnson recognized all candidates for their hard work throughout the campaign. He also acknowledged the people of Agawam and Feeding Hills for voting him in.

“I truly love Agawam and I am honored to continue to represent my fellow residents in working hard to make Agawam a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Johnson.

Having placed second, Bitzas said, “It’s a great honor to continue serving for many years.” Bitzas has been on the City Council for 34 years.

“I appreciate the continued support. I will continue to guide the town, work with the mayor and the council, for the best interest of the people,” said Bitzas.

Some of his goals include maintaining quality education and fire protection safety. In addition, Bitzas is hopeful to receive extra money from the state and federal funds. He explained that some of that funding can go toward issues such as the sewer completion in Feeding Hills.

Bitzas extended his gratitude to the people of Agawam for voting him in, year after year: “It’s a badge of honor. I thank the people from the bottom of my heart to continue serving. I will not let them down.”

Mercadante said he is looking forward to his third term on the City Council.

“It’s wonderful. I feel good and am excited to get going,” he said. “My message to the people has resonated.”

Mercadante claimed that he enjoys the council work immensely, and even describes it as a passion. As a businessman in town, Mercadante believes that he can bring a different perspective to the council.

“As a city councilor, [you] act as a liaison,” allowing for residents to connect with the town government more efficiently.

All of the council members will serve a two-year term.

Share this: