CHICOPEE — With the Nov. 4 general election quickly approaching, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to City Council candidates on the ballot.
For the Ward 2 race, incumbent Shane Brooks will face challenger Joseph Breton.
The Ward 5 race will see newcomers Joseph Pasternak III and Julie L’Heureux looking to secure their seat on the council. Incumbent Fredrick Krampits is not seeking reelection.
Reminder Publishing asked each candidate the same three questions so readers can get a taste of who they are and what they hope to accomplish if elected. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
More coverage on the upcoming Chicopee and Holyoke election will appear in the next edition.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Breton, Ward 2: Some of my top priorities are that we have great teachers, DPW workers, police and fire. All which are underpaid, they should not have to fight for fair wages and contracts as hard as they do. We’re understaffed right now and we get used as a stepping stone because we don’t have competitive wages. I find it atrocious that we can’t keep our exemplary employees. In the city of Chicopee. I will fight diligently. To get our employees the fair wages that they deserve. Secondly. We need to start holding people accountable. For problem properties that are either owned by the city or by private residents. Weather, it starts at the top of city government, or department heads, or departments in as a whole, businesses, and residents. It’s time to clean up Chicopee. Thirdly, we need to have our downtown back and flourishing, we keep hearing about all the new businesses coming in but many of them are leaving. We need to keep them here. Not for six months, we need these businesses long term. We need to make Chicopee safe and enjoyable again, a place where families want to come downtown and spend time and hit the shops. We need to keep our taxes low in our housing affordable.
Brooks, Ward 2: I will continue to strongly advocate for additional business development in the city to help offset the residential tax rates that home owners experience as the values of their homes continue to increase. I will also remain steadfast in my opposition to relocating Barry School to the Szetela Park location. This will create additional safety issues along Granby you for vehicle and most importantly pedestrian traffic on a road that has on crosswalk and constantly has speeding traffic issues. Also, the additional expense for the needed infrastructure that is not reimbursable from the Massachusetts School Building Authority will be borne on the back of the residential taxpayers.
L’Heureux, Ward 5: My top priorities that I would like to address in first few months as a councilor. I would like to encourage early development of city budget. I would like to encourage transparency in the budget so that the constituents understand the WHY of the budget. I want to address the speed issues with advocating for such items as speed humps, assist police in surveillance and allows to see an improvement of road conditions. I want to create opportunities for multi-generational activities in our city such as multi-generational golf activities like golf lessons or game, Ward softball games and other athletic events.
Pasternak, Ward 5: In my first few months, I’ll focus on making visible, meaningful improvements for Ward 5. That begins with upgrades to Brooks Park and working to ensure our roads and intersections are safer through new traffic-safety research and planning. I’ll also promote responsible development that enhances our neighborhoods, not overwhelms them, while expanding support for our seniors through stronger tax relief programs. Supporting education and our local businesses will remain central to my efforts, because a thriving Chicopee depends on both. Above all, I’ll keep open-door hours so residents can share concerns directly and help shape our city’s future together.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Breton, Ward 2: I am a lifelong resident and proud resident of Chicopee. I have one amazing son. I enjoy the outdoors and I’m very passionate about politics. I want to work together with our residents in city government to make our city a safe, enjoyable place to live where our children want stay here and raise their families.
Brooks: Ward 2: I have held various elected positions in the city for over 20 years. I hold a master’s degree in finance from American International College and serve as the Vice President of Residential Services at the Gándara Center in Springfield managing a 26 million dollar budget, providing residential supports to youth and adults with varying degrees of mental health and medical challenges. I believe my formal education and work experience provides me with the needed skill set to continue to serve on the City Council.
L’Heureux, Ward 5: I want voters to know that I have deep roots in the city of Chicopee by being third generation resident. My family has always been deeply involved in volunteer work and commitment to the city for over 100 years. Coming from a business family, I want to support our existing businesses and help the city of Chicopee to promote new businesses. It is important think forward such as planning development of Chicopee 2040. We need to enhance our assets such as our parks and golf course. I am an excellent multitasker. It is important that we practice a multigenerational approach in our community. Being a Chicopee School Substitute Nurse, I realize the value of all the younger generation. Being an active member in my parish and community I know the blessing of our older generation. These two groups together can be amazing. I want to promote such events as fishing derbies and golf tournaments.
Pasternak, Ward 5: Voters should know that Chicopee isn’t just where I live, it’s who I am. That sense of pride and belonging is why I never left. Chicopee gave me opportunity, friendship, and a foundation to build a good life. My wife Dawn and I have been married for 22 years, and we’ve raised our daughter Mia, who’s now 15. This city is where our memories are made and our roots continue to grow. I’m running because I want to give back to the community that’s given my family so much.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Breton, Ward 2: The incumbents haven’t been doing it. I would just like to close with, your vote in November we can work together and make Chicopee strong again. Thank you for your support and consideration.
Brooks, Ward 2: VOTE! It is one of the most sacred privileges that we have as a society. I hope to see a big turnout where the voices of you the residents can be heard.
L’Heureux, Ward 5: I want Ward 5 to be your councilor who walks the streets of Ward 5 to meet you. I will actively listen to you and will try with you to create a plan that addresses your concerns. It is a role performed while working with my community concerning issues with Food Bank. I will always follow up with anyone I discuss concerns. Please let me help to make Ward 5 and Chicopee better when elect me.
Pasternak, Ward 5: This election isn’t about me, it’s about us, our families, and the future of Ward 5. I ask for your trust and your vote so I can be your voice on the City Council, working every day to fix what needs attention, deliver fairness, and bring efficiency to local government. I believe in Chicopee, in our neighborhoods, our people, and our potential. If elected, I promise to listen first, act responsibly, and always put the interests of residents above politics. Let’s build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Ward 5, together.
