CHICOPEE — Speaking shortly after he took his oath of office Monday, Mayor John Vieau said he is committed to making Chicopee safe and affordable while having a strong working relationship with the City Council and school committee.
“I know how important it is to listen, collaborate and keep each other informed, as there are many important projects that are coming in the near future,” Vieau said during the inauguration ceremony.
He added that as part of his agenda for his third term, he wants to reopen the central library and get the Uniroyal property back on the tax rolls.
Vieau was sworn in alongside 11 school committee members, two assessors, 13 city councilors, and City Clerk Keith W. Rattell on New Year’s Day in the City Hall Auditorium.
City officials vowed to serve constituents, uphold the values of the city and work collaboratively for the betterment of Chicopee.
During his speech, Vieau shared a statement that was used often during the pandemic: “Our collective success depends on everyone.”
He acknowledged that the city has its challenges but is convinced that Chicopee is “a safe, happy place to live, work and raise a family.”
He thanked the city’s financial team for their work during his speech, saying Chicopee is in excellent financial shape. He said it has a robust stabilization account and one of the highest bond ratings in the area.
Two of Vieau’s children, Jenna Vieau, 22, and John Henry Vieau, 18, said they were proud of their father in separate interviews. Jenna Vieau said her father loves the city of Chicopee. “He thinks that this is the best place to grow a family,” she said.
John Henry Vieau said he appreciates that his father has managed to balance work and time with his family.
City Councilors Frank Laflamme (right) and Robert Zygarowski (left), after being sworn in as president and vice-president of the council. (Jonah Snowden / The Republican)Jonah Snowden
City Council President and Vice-President
During its organizational meeting following the inauguration ceremony, the City Council unanimously reelected Frank Laflamme to serve as the council’s president. Robert Zygarowski was selected as vice president of the City Council.
Laflamme, who has served on the Council for the past 14 years and as president for the last two of them, said his goal remains the same: to help in any way he can to assist the residents of Chicopee.
In a separate interview, Zygarowski, who has served on the council for a total of 20 years and previously served as vice president for two terms, outlined a similar goal, which is to work with Vieau and file orders that are beneficial to the residents of Chicopee.
Newly-elected City Councilor Abigail Arriaga. (Jonah Snowden / The Republican)Jonah Snowden
Newly-elected city councilors Abigail Arriaga, Susan M. Goff, Samuel Shumsky and Timothy Wagner were sworn in at the inauguration ceremony as well.
Excited to represent Ward 1, Arriaga said she is ready to hit the ground running and prove to residents that they can put their trust in her.
Making the streets of Chicopee safer and bridging the gap between residents and municipal leaders are on her list of goals she hopes to achieve within the next two years as a councilor.
