EASTHAMPTON — In a Jan. 15 special meeting, the Easthampton City Council welcomed a new member, Felicia Jadczak, who takes over for Homar Gomez, the former council president who recently became a state representative.
Jadczak will represent district two until the city’s next election.
Before voting to welcome Jadczak, the only candidate for the position, to the council, the councilors took turns asking her about her experience and her goals for her time on the council.
In her introductory speech, Jadczak, who works as DEI consultant for business and organizations, spoke of her experience connecting with people and as president of the cultural council.
“Everything I do is around building relationships,” said Jadczak, who added that she looks forward to helping the community and bringing her voice to the council.
Councilor Koni Denham asked Jadczak what her plans would be in terms of reaching out to the diverse district and gathering input from its constituents.
Jadczak noted that she has already made many relationships with people in district two, and that she intended to hold regular office hours and attend many events and activities to get to know more people. Jadczak recognized that she has “big shoes to fill” in replacing Gomez.
“I intend to be a very prominent figure,” said Jadczak.
Jadczak moved to Easthampton in 2021 and quickly became an active member of the community. One of the organizers behind Porchfest, which began in 2023 and doubled in size in 2024, Jadczak has a strong love for the arts.
Councilor Brad Riley asked Jadczak how her experiences wil help her to have the tough conversations that the council sometimes has to have. Jadczak noted her 15 years of DEI practice and that she’s had a lot of experience with difficult conversations.
“I will be someone who’s going to be very engaged,” said Jadczak, who noted that the city of Easthampton is where her family chose to put down its roots and that she believes people have a duty to be part of their community.
“Being a city councilor is about serving everyone,” added Jadczak. “At the end of the day, we’re all human beings together.”
Jadczak was sworn in and took her seat while the council discussed the next steps to reorganization which will take place at its Jan. 22 meeting. The council will discuss and vote on candidates for president and vice president of the council.
