Copyright MassLive
CHICOPEE — Chicopee’s Ward 8 will gain a new city councilor this November. Douglas Girouard, 52, who previously served as a School Committee member and is a former business owner, is running unopposed for the position. The incumbent councilor for the ward, Gary LaBrie, is not running for re-election. Girouard said he is involved with the community and enjoys getting to know constituents. Ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council and School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Each council candidate was asked the same four questions. A different set of four identical questions were sent to the candidates for School Committee. 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: Douglas Girouard Age: 52 Address: Chicopee Profession: Former business owner Position running for: Ward 8 City Council Introductory statement: My name is Douglas P. Girouard, son of Peggy and Gerald Girouard. Father of two great kids Ashley Irene and Jacob Hunter. As a 52-year resident of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, one of my goals in life was to become a city councilor. I have been involved in the restaurant business pretty much my whole life servicing my customers. Doing so gave me much joy. I am involved in the community and I love to interact with people. Being on the City Council will allow me to achieve a dream of mine. Question #1: What is the biggest problem in the city and how would you address it? One of the biggest concerns in the city is doing my part in making sure we spend taxpayer money responsibly. I drive around the city often and notice some of our roads in pretty bad condition. 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? Taxes are always a concern, so is public safety. It will be a goal of mine to see that both the police and fire continue to receive what they need to work and keep the people safe. 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? One way to address the housing crisis would be to keep moving forward with the rehab of abandoned properties. Not only is this housing needed it would help to stabilize the tax base.
