Meet the candidate: Jessica L. Avery runs for Chicopee at-large councilor seat
CHICOPEE — Jessica L. Avery is the only woman running for the post of Chicopee city councilor at-large.
There are four open seats for the position and seven candidates running.
Avery, 32, is a Chicopee native and attended local public schools before pursuing two degrees at Pioneer Valley higher education institutions.
She announced her candidacy in July.
Ahead of Tuesday's election, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the contested City Council seats to answer a short questionnaire.
Each council candidate was asked the same four questions.
Over the next several days, The Republican will be publishing the candidates' answers to the questions in print. Find more candidates and responses at masslive.com/topic/election .
Name:Jessica L. Avery
Age:32
Address:118 Ingham St.
Profession:Director of advocacy for a credit union association
Position running for:Chicopee City Council at-large seat
Introductory statement:From volunteering at The Arbors to Christmas toy drives, I realized from a young age the government's impact on my community. Raised in Chicopee and attending our public schools provided opportunities that prepared me for Mount Holyoke College and UMass Amherst's School of Public Policy. At the pandemic's height, I worked on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Special Commission as the lead House researcher, facilitating Western Massachusetts hearings for lawmakers with staff, families and other public officials. Since pulling papers in March, I have shared ideas, learned from Chicopee residents at their doorsteps and connected with local businesses. I am running for Chicopee City Council at-large because government needs community-driven leaders committed to meeting the current moment while preparing for the future. I have the professional and academic experience, relationships, and deep community pride to achieve that, leading for and by the people of Chicopee.
Question 1: What is the biggest problem in the city and how would you address it?
While speaking with residents, I ask about concerns and priorities, and folks eagerly share. The top issues are road maintenance and traffic safety, including speeding, cut-through traffic, and car volume. Residents are interested in speed bumps, increased speeding enforcement, and road redesign, all of which I favor. I also support expanding raised sidewalks near high-risk areas, like schools and parks. Raised sidewalks have proven effective in reducing speeding and pedestrian accidents while enhancing accessibility.
Question 2: The City Council always struggles to keep taxes low while providing needed services and making advancements. How specifically will you balance the three?
Residential taxes make up the majority of local revenue. While Chicopee's tax rates have remained steady, tax bills have increased significantly, as home values have risen sharply due to inflation and housing demand. To combat inflation and governmental revenue cuts, Chicopee must maximize tax revenue. I will promote group purchasing to reduce costs and support expanding the city's tax work-off program. Residents deserve to see that growing value actualized in consistent, timely services and programming.
Question 3: The housing crisis continues to take a toll on residents and those who want to move to the city. How should the city attack the problem.
Chicopee's population remains stable, but the demographics have changed, and with it, our housing needs. Chicopee residents support new housing initiatives, but want to ensure municipal services keep up with housing density and protect natural resources. Older adults retain their homes longer, while young people remain in the family home longer. I support standardized zoning processes that empower Chicopee-driven development, and I will advocate for the expansion of accessory dwelling units (in-law apartments).
Question 4: What types of development would you like to attract to the city and how would you do it?
Chicopee boasts substantial industrial space, a strong workforce and historic innovation. A city designed for manufacturing, Chicopee must thoughtfully meet today's economy and prepare for the future, while utilizing and celebrating the past that brought us here. Development requires broad considerations, such as personnel, transportation, space, etc. I support investing in workforce development and business succession planning through grants and programming to develop worker- and/or consumer-owned businesses that localize jobs and profits.
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