Chicopee voters this week elected a new city councilor reported to be the first person of color elected to the council — and the first woman since 2005.
Delmarina López identifies as Latina in a city that is 23% Hispanic, according to the 2020 Census. On Tuesday, running unopposed, she was elected to represent Chicopee's 3rd Ward.
López said even though she is a diverse voice on the council, everyone should think of equity and inclusion for underserved communities.
“When we're making decisions that affect youth programing, for example, that we are thinking about the communities that are more disproportionately affected by lack of funding or by lack of access,” López said. “And how do we make our spending equitable? How do we make our policies equitable?”
She said she also wants to ensure more transparency in Chicopee's government.
“That every dollar is able to be tracked in a way that is efficient, user-friendly and is just very clear,” López said.
López will be sworn in on January 3rd.
