CHICOPEE — With the Nov. 4 general election only a few weeks away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to City Council candidates on the ballot.
This year’s Ward 3 City Council race features incumbent Susan Goff facing off against newcomer Darrin Breault.
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 future editions.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Breault: We have issues with garbage in public spaces that needs regulation to address and active consequences for willing carelessness. Something so basic should not be so difficult to encourage and enforce. We also suffered frozen roads during one of last year’s winter storms that made travel difficult and dangerous on side streets in the region for an extended period. I believe this was due to mistimed application of salt and labor. I would like to get to the bottom of why that was able to occur, and find ways to prevent such things in the future. The safety of residents during weather events is paramount. Finally, there is a lack of civic engagement that leads to low voter turnout in local elections. This is an emergency whose causes and solutions must be explored. I have also heard from many constituents that the sudden closure of Sarah Jane Sherman Park has taken them by surprise and had an adverse impact on their daily lives; there was no announcement or warning prior to closing it off. Or at least no widespread notice. Greater transparency for how and when some funds are used is needed.
Goff: Since this would be my second term, I plan to stay the same course. Concentrate on issues like economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and community engagement. My main goal is to gain a broader understanding of the city and its financial health. Maintain transparency, trustworthiness, and improve communication to residents about issues that are important. I speak to concerned residents just about every day on issues affecting their quality of life. I bring those concerns and their voices into every meeting. My goal is to make real, positive choices that bring about real positive change.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Breault: I’m the owner of a small business who has lived and worked in Chicopee all my life. Everyone has a right and responsibility toward effective representation and civil engagement, so I’m using this chance to step forward and offer ward residents a choice in what would otherwise have been a race running unopposed. Win or lose, I look forward to continuing to push for transparency, accountability and effectiveness in local government.
Goff: I am not a career politician, I have no hidden agendas. My main goal is to serve my community in the best way possible. I strive for open, honest representation of those issues that are important to you. I have owned my home in Chicopee for close to 40 years. Like you, I am directly affected by local taxes, development, and changes that are happening in our neighborhoods. I intend to keep fighting to maintain the integrity of our communities and neighborhood, improve quality of life, and advocate for safe roads and safe neighborhoods.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Breault: Government should be responsive to the needs of those it serves. I am on the ballot to stress that the distance between citizens and their elected officials should be as small as possible, and if I’m fortunate enough to win, I will ensure that every idea or concern has a voice in City Council. Regardless of your chosen candidate, please vote.
Goff: Every election is about vision, leadership, keeping an open mind. Having the ability to show compassion, draw from experience and act with the best intentions and interest of all residents. It’s about having strength to stand firm in decision making for the good of the entire community. We all share the same vision and goals. We all want to keep Chicopee going in the right direction for generations to come. Two years ago, I asked you to put your trust in me. I am forever honored and humbled that you did. I ask you once again to trust me to continue that work.
