Chicopee's Collector Seat: A Rematch, a Nail-Biter, and a New Chapter Unfolds

Well, Chicopee has certainly spoken, and honestly, what a showdown it was! In a race that felt less like a typical municipal election and more like a gripping political drama, Sandra Ann Peret has officially claimed the coveted City Collector’s seat. She edged out the incumbent, Richard J. Kos, in what can only be described as a truly hard-fought contest, one that left many of us, you know, on the edge of our seats right up until the final tally.

You see, this wasn't just any old election. It was a rematch, a second round if you will, after Peret had come so close, so tantalizingly close, to unseating Kos back in 2021. And for once, this time, the tables turned. On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the city saw Peret — a retired police lieutenant, no less — secure her victory with a solid 5,856 votes. Kos, a long-time fixture in Chicopee's political landscape, gathered 5,548. That's a difference of just 308 votes, barely a whisper in the grand scheme of things, but enough to usher in a new chapter for the office responsible for collecting all the city's revenue.

The numbers themselves tell a story, don't they? A total of 11,404 ballots cast, out of 46,559 registered voters. A 24.5% turnout — perhaps not earth-shattering, but for a local election, it certainly shows that folks were invested, especially in this particular race. And why wouldn't they be? The City Collector's job is, after all, rather crucial. It’s the engine room of municipal finance, handling everything from property taxes to various fees. So, yeah, it matters.

Peret’s campaign, from what we saw, really honed in on improving customer service and, honestly, bringing a fresh set of eyes to the office. Her background as a retired police lieutenant, you could say, probably resonated with voters looking for someone with a strong sense of duty and perhaps a different kind of public service experience. She had some pretty heavy-hitting endorsements too, including Mayor John Vieau and State Representative Patricia Duffy — a sign, perhaps, of the growing belief in her vision.

And then there's Kos, a name synonymous with Chicopee politics for decades, having served as City Clerk and even a State Representative before his stint as Collector. He ran, understandably, on his experience and a message of continuity. But in the end, the voters, for whatever reason, decided it was time for a change. It’s always tough to lose, of course, but he did extend his congratulations to Peret, which, you know, speaks volumes about the respect between them despite the fierce competition.

So, come January, Sandra Ann Peret will begin her two-year term, stepping into an office that, in truth, affects every single resident and business in Chicopee. It's a significant moment, a testament to perseverance, and a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic pulse of local democracy. And just like that, a new era begins.