Chicopee voters head for polls WHERE TO VOTE

CHICOPEE - When voters head to the polls today, they will elect a mayor, a new councilor-at-large and councilors in four wards.

City Clerk Keith W. Ratell has predicted a 38 to 40 percent turnout with strong voter interest in the mayor's race pitting incumbent Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette against Councilor-At-Large Shane D. Brooks, a former School Committee member.

"There is more turnout at presidential elections. But I like to go by history, study races in the past, consider the current conditions and arrive at my estimate," said Rattell.

While both the mayor and Brooks have said additional expected state budget cuts will affect future financial stability for the city and strong leadership is needed, the two have sparred during recent televised debates.

The mayor said $3 million was taken from the $10 million stabilization fund to balance the budget, resulting in no lay-

offs, no new fees for athletics and a reduction in some homeowners' tax bills.

He said the city is also the envy of others in Western Massachusetts and he and his financial team have cut expenses and not filled positions as part of a fiscally responsible plan.

Brooks has criticized the mayor for what he says is the lack of staffing at the newly-renovated Aldenville Fire Station, what he calls guaranteed overtime in the firefighters' contract.

He said the City Council has never received a priority list from the mayor on proposed capital improvement projects and has been asked to bond for too many items.

In the councilor-at-large race, Frank N. Laflamme and Gerard (Jerry) Roy face off against the three incumbents, James K. Tillotson, Robert J. Zygarowski and Jean J. Croteau Jr.

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