CHICOPEE — With the Nov. 4 general election only a few weeks away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to City Council and School Committee candidates on the ballot.
This year’s at large City Council race features seven candidates vying for four spots.
Incumbents Frank LaFlamme and Jerry Roy will look to secure a seat on the City Council, along with challengers Jessica Avery, Clark Wojtowicz, Brian Mendes, John Paquette Jr. and Joel McAuliffe.
This week, the article will feature the challengers’ responses.
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 elections will appear in future editions.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Avery: Road infrastructure and safety are top issues raised at doors across the city. People want tangible solutions to reduce speed and repair roads. The state’s latest budget increased Chapter 90 funding, with Chicopee receiving a total of $2.47 million. In my first few months, I will champion the expansion of raised sidewalks near high-risk intersections, such as those by schools and high pedestrian zones. Raised sidewalks have been proven effective in reducing speeding and pedestrian accidents while enhancing accessibility. I will also advocate for cooperative procurement of road project materials to reduce costs and ensure a stable supply.
McAuliffe: Public safety and quality of life are my top priorities. That means ensuring our Police and Fire departments have the resources they need and making Chicopee a city people are proud to live in. I’ll also focus on smart economic development to attract new businesses, create jobs, and support the tax base — ensuring Chicopee remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family. From fixing roads to modernizing city services, I’ll fight for the investments that keep our neighborhoods safe, vibrant and welcoming.
Mendes: As a new candidate, I need to understand the process. I’m no expert, but feel confident that I could bring a lot to the table and to the residents of Chicopee. My overall priorities will consist of: (1) Supporting public safety and emergency services: Ensure adequate staffing and resources for first responders and addressing community safety concerns while improving police-community relations. (2) Infrastructure and public works: Fulfill the obligation to maintain and upgrade roads, bridges, sidewalks and streetlights, address long term infrastructure needs and planning, and reduce blight in high traffic areas. (3) Economic development: Support efforts to attract new businesses and jobs, adding to existing. Chicopee businesses and balancing commercial growth with residential quality of life. (4) Municipal government accountability: Ensure compliance, improve citizen engagement and maintain ethical standards in city operations. (5) Transparency and honesty: Committed to open dialogue about city issues. I will be involved in budget oversight, scrutinizing department spending to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Paquette Jr.: Top priorities include reviewing roadway projects and addressing the community’s concerns about potholes and overall road conditions. This seems to be an ongoing issue that truly needs to be investigated and addressed. I also want to work with the mayor’s office and all department heads on improving and expanding how the city communicates updates on upcoming and current projects by utilizing social media, local newspapers and developing an automated email system to relate any pertinent information. If elected, I would like to redevelop the Westover industrial areas and promote manufacturing in our city. We have great programs at the high schools and the ability to work in conjunction with these businesses would allow students to enter the workforce immediately after high school. This would attract young adults to stay, work, and buy homes in Chicopee, in turn promoting and increasing our tax base.
Wojtowicz: One of my top priorities is to be more “business friendly.” I would support the keeping of commercial property zones instead of converting land to residential property zones. Commercial property zones make money for the city while residential property zones cause more expense. The taxes collected from commercial properties pay for better schools, services such as trash collection and disposal, and lower the costs of resident taxes for homeowners.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Avery: Growing up in Chicopee spurred my desire to give back. In 2020, while working out of my childhood home in Chicopee during the first semester of my master’s program, I served as a House Researcher for the committee responsible for overseeing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the then-Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. That experience taught me that governing requires courage, leadership, and the truth. It instilled in me empathy and a sense of action that I will carry with me as a City Councilor at-Large.
McAuliffe: I’ve done this work before as your City Councilor and I know how to get results. I’ve worked at many levels of government and currently serve as a Career and Technical Education Director at a local high school. I understand why people feel disillusioned with politics. I stepped forward because people in my community asked me to and because I care deeply about the city that raised me. I’ve spent my career helping others and solving real problems. Whether in government or education, I’ve been effective, and I want to give back to Chicopee in a way that truly delivers for our residents.
Mendes: I bring a unique qualification to the race, combining extensive business management experience as a 27-year veteran at Callaway Golf Ball Operations with deep community involvement. I have served eight years as president of the Portuguese/American Club and am currently in my fifth year as a commissioner of the Chicopee Country Club, including four years as Vice Chair.
Paquette Jr.: I want to be the most accessible and transparent councilor, for too long the residents feel jaded by the local government. I want to change that. My campaign has been truly grassroots, I understand fundraising is a part of politics, but I didn’t want any resident in the city to feel like I would owe anyone any favors by accepting any monies. My wife Tara and I have solely funded my campaign. This has never been about the money for me. I want to give back to the city that raised me and with my salary from the City Council, I will be donating no less than 1/3 back to nonprofit organizations in Chicopee.
Wojtowicz: That I am a lifelong Chicopee resident and business owner in the city.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Avery: Local government oversees services that impact people the most on a daily basis. From road to first responders, Chicopee residents expect and deserve those services when and how they need them. I believe in asking the necessary questions and delivering community-based solutions to meet those expectations. As City Councilor at-large, I listen and learn from residents and businesses to ensure our city meets the current moment and prepares for a future that flourishes. In doing so, we are building Chicopee together!
McAuliffe: Chicopee has had years of strong budgets and new opportunities, but that won’t last forever. As the economic climate shifts, we need experienced leaders who know how to navigate challenges, build partnerships, and get things done. I’m running to be that kind of councilor. This isn’t about politics, it’s about public service. I’ll work hard every day to make Chicopee stronger, more vibrant, and more prepared for the future. I’m running to do the work, because Chicopee has given me so much, and I know I can make a difference.
Mendes: I’m not interested in political drama. I’m interested in solving problems and delivering results, whether it’s ensuring our first responders have what they need, improving our schools, or making sure city services work for everyone. I’m focused on what matters most to Chicopee families.
I envision Chicopee where every resident feels safe, valued, and heard. I believe in fostering a community where positive change is not just a goal, but a reality that can be measured and celebrated. With my business background, community leadership and a lifelong commitment to Chicopee, I am ready to lead the charge for a brighter future for all.
Paquette Jr.: When deciding which candidate for City Council at Large to vote for, I ask you to look at what each individual is currently doing to better the community and who will continue to be involved and improve the quality of life for everyone. I am currently serving on the Chicopee Planning Board, Board of Directors at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry, and a member of the Knights of Columbus #4044. I humbly ask for your vote Nov. 4th to expand my reach to all residents of Chicopee.
Wojtowicz: I am here to work for and represent the working class people. I will support teachers, police and business. I have common sense and will use that to solve problems.
