Election 2021: The Republicans picks for area mayor races (Editorial) – masslive.com

On election day, when a voter stands in the booth, ready to make choices, it is often quiet. But that one vote speaks loud and clear.

The debates are over. The speeches complete. Now, the right, privilege and civic duty of voting is all that stands between the citizen and the candidate. Each and every vote matters, especially in a time when voter apathy continues to see low turnout at the polls.

Communities turn to municipal leaders to develop a plan and focus to set financial priorities, understand government strengths and weaknesses, develop strategies for gathering resources, set partnerships to solve problems and confidently make smart decisions that result in keeping residents safe.

The pandemic has peeled back layers of our communities to reveal stark realities on how we work, educate our children, distribute medical care, take care of the vulnerable and weak and, most importantly, how leadership responds to crisis.

In Tuesdays municipal elections, voters have the opportunity to reflect on the past 18 months and determine which leadership qualities work best for their communities.

Along with the many lessons learned during the height of the pandemic, we are hopeful individuals have developed a better understanding of the power they have by exercising their right to vote. It is up to the citizenry to have an understanding of what candidates stand for and how a candidates experience can effectively work toward the greater good.

Five Western Massachusetts communities have contests for mayor. In each, residents must carefully balance the business and life experiences of the candidates and carefully make a decision.

No matter the choices they make, all registered voters should participate in determining the direction of their government. This is a critical time for cities and towns throughout the region. In order to achieve fair and effective governance, active participation by the engaged citizen is crucial.

The Republican offers recommendations to voters in the five communities that are electing mayors on Tuesday:

Agawam: Incumbent Mayor William P. Sapelli, first elected in 2017, is seeking his third term. Sapelli was aggressive with the initial response of distribution of COVID-19 vaccine securing a supply from the state for first responders. Subsequently, Agawam was able to secure vaccine for seniors and serve west of the river population before the regional distribution centers were established. Sapelli has developed strong, positive working relationships with the city council, neighboring mayors, state legislators and the governors office bringing attention to the needs of Agawam and setting the stage for future improvements. Sapelli deserves another term as mayor;

Easthampton: Mayor Nicole LaChapelle merits support as she seeks her second, four-year term. She has demonstrated steady, strong leadership, especially over the past 18 months of the pandemic. Her initiatives in business development, entrepreneurship and innovation have been outstanding, and her work to develop a blueprint for the citys future shows she has much to still accomplish for her citizenry;

Holyoke: The next mayor of Holyoke needs to set the Paper City on a course towards fiscal stability and create a vision that addresses the needs of all its residents, along with its business and industrial community. Joshua A. Garcia, a former School Committee member and fire commissioner, brings leadership experience and knowledge of municipal finance, along with a passion for the city and a strong belief in its bright future. The Republican urges voters to consider supporting his candidacy;

Northampton: City Council president Gina-Louise Sciarra and businessman Marc Warner both are vying to succeed incumbent Mayor David Narkewicz. Each brings experience and a vision for Northampton that can benefit the city in achieving future goals. Sciarra is serving a fourth term as a councilor, currently chairs the committee on finance and is the vice-chair on legislative matters. Warner is a transportation executive with strong data-driven business skills and also active in Northampton advisory committees. The next mayor of Northampton will have to navigate public safety issues, a redesign of downtown, affordable housing and the distribution of American Rescue Plan Act funding. We feel both candidates have the experience and skills to run Northampton government and encourage voters to study positions outlined by each;

Westfield: As Western Massachusetts third largest city, Westfield needs a new and more energetic leader. The job is one which requires someone one who is able to work collaboratively with the City Council, who actively works to bring new business development to the Whip City and who builds regional partnerships. The Republican believes Michael McCabe, a retired police captain, is the best choice to lead the city.

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Election 2021: The Republicans picks for area mayor races (Editorial) - masslive.com