Chicopee City Council candidates answer pressing questions, part one

Oct. 20, 2021 | Matt Conway
mconway@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – Recently, Reminder Publishing reached out to candidates vying for a seat on the Chicopee School Committee during the Nov. 2 municipal election.

Candidates were invited to answer a series of questions related to city-specific issues. Responses printed by Reminder Publishing on behalf of the candidates represent their own thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Reminder Publishing does not endorse any candidate nor their beliefs.

The candidates for City Council At-Large include Frank N. Laflamme, Gerard A. Roy, James K. Tillotson, Robert Joseph Zygarowski, Sean M. Goonan, Shirley B. Arriaga and Matthew Hernke. The candidates for City Council Ward positions are Joel D. McAuliffe, Shane Brooks, Delmarina Lopez, George A. Balakier, Frederick T. Krampits, John Kivel, Derek Gregory Dobosz, William Courchense, Gary R. Labrie, Lisa Hagar, Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello and John Paquette Jr.

This is part one of a two-part series with candidate replies. Their response, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows.

Reminder Publishing (RP): What are the top three most pressing issues facing Chicopee right now, and how would you address those issues?

Shirley B. Arriaga, Councilor At-Large: The current trash removal system in the city of Chicopee is a big problem for many families in the city. The “one size” does not fit all families. The 35-gallon barrels that are provided to residents are not large enough for most households. Despite the many residents’ complaints to the city, there has been no progress in addressing the issue.

I believe that adding an extra barrel or having the option for larger trash barrels would alleviate the trash issue in our city. As city councilor, I will work with the department of public works, as well as the finance department, to explore the possibility of offering a second barrel to those families who want it and need it; because when it comes to trash removal in Chicopee, one size does not fit all.

Trash removal is a large issue, but it stems from something greater which is “communication.” There seems to be a lack of communication in our city. In fact, many voters in Chicopee were not even aware of the primary voting day, resulting in a stagnant voter turnout rate of only 9 percent. Chicopee is not a large city, but 9 percent is astonishingly low, even for us.

We need better communication in our city. I believe communication is key and will help avoid and address a lot of other issues such as accountability, city plans, and inclusion. By strengthening our communication we can better serve and help our constituents in all ways possible.

Derek Gregory Dobosz, Ward 6: The top three issues facing the city right now are business parks operating out of control and not in the interest of the city and residents, major infrastructure issues such as the water meter issue and sidewalk and road repair, and public safety. I think disinterest and lack of participation in local government is also a major issue. The proposed Slate Road development shows Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation is not acting in the best interest of the city and political insiders are willing to lie to the public and city council around developments controlled by these quasi-public business parks.

The Westmass Development Corporation is also a massive failure, controlling the business park on East Main Street, which has been mostly empty for decades and recently secured a development by the food bank, which will pay nothing in taxes. The city can and should take control of these business parks from political insiders by appointing new board members, taking land back, and other means to develop in the interest of the city and residents.

Major infrastructure such as the water meter issue and road repair should be addressed immediately. The Water Department is guessing on nearly one third of water bills because that many outside water meters are faulty. The water department has been billing retroactively when they discover the difference between how much they billed you and how much you used. Roads are increasingly bad all over the city and they are not being fixed at an acceptable pace. Public safety is also a growing issue all over the city. We need more aggression in fighting crime and speeding.

Sean M. Goonan, Councilor At-Large: The most pressing issues facing Chicopee are a lack of smart development, unsafe and unpleasant streets that are not walkable, and declining parks and open space. These issues originate from the city government’s lack of strong leadership and unwillingness to listen to the true needs of people in the community. Business development in Chicopee is becoming larger and more monotonous each year and politicians are steering it this way. Memorial drive is a good example of this, with more banks and cookie cutter fast food joints popping up. I think people in a neighborhood feel a deep sigh of relief when a local small business is not bought out by an outside corporation, like when Mickey’s Bike Shop became the new location for Koffee Kup Bakery for example.

Other times this is not the case, and a neighborhood is disrupted by an uncaring profit driven monstrosity, like Cumberland Farms wanting to raze nine building plots in Aldenville to make way for a large gas station/parking lot, and if residents didn’t speak out it could have easily been passed by the out of touch city council. The city’s parks are becoming less naturally beautiful and open space is declining. If not for hundreds of residents speaking out, one of the last areas of forest in the city off of Slate Road would have been approved by the city council to be destroyed to make way for an industrial complex, right next to a neighborhood and the State Park.

Lisa Hagar, Ward 8: I think the top three issues are investment in infrastructure, modernization across all city platforms and long-term planning.

I think the city needs to invest more in municipal cable. The roll out has been way too slow and sporadic, the sewer system, roads and all municipal buildings need work. I would like to see a comprehensive plan to make improvements over the next five to 10 years instead of waiting until it's too late to fix things. At the same time, we should make sure that the IT infrastructure is also up to date. The webpage, use of Excel and Word instead of hand calculations, timely information outreach is among things that could use an update. All of this would tie in with getting a long-term plan out as opposed to the seemingly reactionary way we currently work.

Matthew Hernke, Councilor At-Large: 1. City Hall ethics. With the recent widespread issue of unethical behavior in City Hall, we need to bring back an ethics and oversight committee. City Hall should be held to a high standard and must not violate public trust. We need to hold city officials and employees accountable. A committee will keep an eye on ethical behavior, where our money goes, and making sure it gets there.

2. Policing. I would like to meet with the police chief and figure out the best way to slow down the excessive speeding throughout the city, as well as llegal dirt bikes on the streets. This is no longer just a nuisance for residents, but increasingly becoming dangerous. We need more proactive policing.

3. Trash System. This system was breaking from day one when the landfill was closed. Residents got tiny trash cans and a large recycling bin. It was supposed to encourage trash reduction. The problem with this is simple. Only 35 percent of our recyclables get recycled and the rest goes in a landfill. Any trash that ends up in recyclables goes to the landfill at the city`s expense. We need to look into a waste to energy plant that will significantly reduce trash disposal costs and generate revenue for the city by selling off the energy it creates.

Frederick T. Krampits, Ward 5: From the calls and emails I receive, quality of life issues (speeding, blighted properties, maintaining roads and sidewalks, etc.) are a major concern for residents. I work with Police, Health, Building, DPW and other departments to help address those concerns. As a ward councilor not only do I work for the good of the ward but the city as a whole. I have supported upgrades to the Public Safety Complex, programs at the River Mills Senior Center, and the library. I try to strike a balance between keeping taxes and fees fair versus the needs and improvements throughout the city.

Gary R. Labrie, Ward 8: The three most pressing issues facing Chicopee at the present time is economic development, public safety and quality of life issues. All three issues are related and continue to be at the forefront of most conversations around the city. I’m very excited to note that I have recently voted along with my fellow councilors to approve special permits, with certain restrictions, for two large projects that needed a special permit to be able to build state of the art buildings in Chicopee.

The First project is estimated to be a $20 million project for land adjacent to Ward 8 at the bottom of McKinstry Avenue. It is land that was owned by Spalding and has been vacant for many years. The other project is a $2.5 million project located on Shawinigan Drive. As a member of the zoning committee, we are currently working on two large projects that will bring more than 600 market rate apartments to Chicopee. These are projects that we have previously approved but have been stalled because of COVID-19.

I will continue to follow up and pressure the developers of these projects to re-file for their special permits to begin reconstruction of two large buildings that have been sitting idle for many years. Public safety and quality of life issues is something I address with the mayor, fire chief, police chief and numerous department heads on a regular basis. I will continue to address traffic concerns such as speeding and blighted properties to continue to keep Ward 8 a safe place to raise a family.

Frank N. Laflamme, Councilor At-Large: Our residents and small businesses have taken an enormous hit from the pandemic; how we respond will make a big difference towards positioning Chicopee for long-term success. We need to have a targeted approach to help small businesses, make investments in our infrastructure, and expand Crossroads Fiber so that it’s available for all of our residents. This coupled with efforts to clean up our city are keys to long-term success.

Joel D. McAuliffe, Ward 1: The top issue facing Chicopee is civic engagement. For any community to succeed, it requires the engagement and participation of its residents. We have a small group of dedicated residents who are involved in the city but we need more. How we get them involved is the responsibility of us all and we need a proactive approach.

Other major issues include speeding up the rollout of Crossroads Fiber and fixing our outdated infrastructure.

John Paquette Jr., Ward 9: I believe the top three issues facing the city is public safety, school infrastructure, and economic development. We are at a point in the city when we need to start evolving.

Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello, Ward 9: The first pressing issue facing the city of Chicopee is economic development for the residents. The city must continue to look for ways to attract business. The schools play an important role in attracting business. The schools must offer training in manufacturing. There are many good paying jobs in manufacturing. Business will locate to Chicopee if there are employees properly trained.

The investment in high-speed internet is another investment the city is making to attract business. Business is looking for highly trained employees, as well as a city that offers updated technology, including high speed internet to address the needs of a modern growing business.

The second pressing issue is infrastructure. The sewer separation project must continue. Residents should not have to live with sewer backup. The roads must be maintained and repaired. Potholes must be addressed, and streets need to be striped. Traffic studies should be performed on heavily travelled streets. People living in residential areas should not be subjected to heavy industrial truck traffic. Enforcement of the speed limits and having traffic signs along the roads might help address the problem. Roads must be maintained and safe for all residents.

The third pressing issue is crime. The crime rate has increased in Chicopee. Officials must determine the reason for the increase in crime. A major reason for the increase in crime is substance abuse. The city should be looking at treatment programs for residents that have an addiction disorder. Many people that have a substance abuse problem also have a mental health illness. Offering treatment programs can address the addiction problem. Offering substance abuse education in our schools can help in preventative care.

James Tillotson, Councilor At-Large: 1. Economic Development including new small businesses and industrial growth are important in adding tax dollars which benefit all taxpayers. The city web site needs to add Economic Development information. We need information under the “How to” section on Starting Your Business. We have talented people who could create new businesses but may need help in starting up. Our downtown would benefit from added businesses and evening Community policing which would bring added people downtown, spurring activity at SilverBrick which will bring in added revenue. We need to continually work to attract companies and businesses which create jobs and provide added tax dollars which keep taxes reasonable for all.

2. Police salaries. Mayor Vieau at the Sept. 23 Council meeting stated that entry level salary for Police Officers is about $48,000. The city is negotiating with the police union for a new contract. Working conditions and salaries are critical. I support salaries that are competitive with surrounding communities and within what taxpayers can afford. Some communities have higher per capita incomes than Chicopee.

3. American Rescue Plan Assistance (ARPA) is critically important in areas that benefit taxpayers the most. Chicopee is under federal mandate to update the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Rather than bonding, which is paid back with interest, it is better to use federal ARPA money. First Responder payments are being worked on with the unions. I vocally advocate for improvements which benefit the taxpayers.

Robert Joseph Zygarowski, Councilor At-Large: A lot of people complain about the water rates. We’re in the process of putting in new meters in that will make rates more accurate. Because of the Clean Water Act 1976, the city is forced to separate sewer water and that can be an expensive process. It’s been a costly thing, I know people get all upset when they get their water bills, but a lot of it is not the fault of Chicopee. Conserving water and being careful how you use it is important for citizens to consider.

Another issue people call me about is the roads. People ask why we can’t do more work on the streets. We’re working on a lot of the major roads, but we have 1,200 streets in the city. We should get some state and federal funds to improve side streets across the city.

The revitalization of downtown is also important. We removed that Center Loop bike path, but we have to continue to work to make downtown attractive. We want to try and bring local businesses downtown. Every city has their problems, but overall Chicopee has been run very well.

Part two of candidate responses will be in the Oct. 28 edition of the Chicopee Herald. Reminder Publishing reached out to George A. Balakier, Shane Brooks, William Courchense, John Kivel, Delmarina Lopez, and Gerard A. Roy but did not receive comments by press time.

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