HOLYOKE, Mass. — The Holyoke City Public Service Committee on Aug. 19 recommended a slate of mayoral appointments to the full City Council, approved withdrawals of two nominations and advanced the mayor’s nominee for director of veteran services.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Juan Anderson Burgos, met with Councillors Howard Graney and (later) Carmen Ocasio present and moved through items on the mayor’s letters of appointment. Most appointments were recommended by unanimous committee votes and will be considered by the full City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Why it matters: The committee’s recommendations shape who represents residents on local boards and who will manage city services. The committee advanced appointments to the library board, the local historic district commission, the citizens advisory committee and the veterans services office, among others. Its action formally places these nominations before the full council for confirmation.

Committee actions and outcomes

- Minutes and procedural matters: The committee removed item 1 from the table and accepted the March 25 minutes (vote recorded as 2–0 at the time it was taken up).

- Withdrawn appointments: Joseph Charles Mazzola’s appointment to the local historic district commission was withdrawn at Mr. Mazzola’s request and the committee voted to accept that withdrawal. Heather Linders’ appointment to the Commission on Disabilities was also withdrawn because she was no longer available to serve; the committee approved that withdrawal.

- Recycling Advisory Committee: The mayor’s letter listing several appointees to the Recycling Advisory Committee was tabled at the committee’s request; the motion to table carried.

- Library Board: The committee recommended Megan Connolly (listed in the mayor’s letters as Megan Colony; Connolly identified herself during the meeting) to the Library Board to replace Thomas Gilchrist and serve the remainder of his term; the committee’s recommendation was unanimous (3–0) and will go to the full City Council on Sept. 2. The committee separately withdrew a duplicate or related item listed as item 6.

- Margaret Whitehead: The committee recommended Margaret Whitehead to the Library Board to fill a vacancy, voting 3–0 to send the nomination to the full council.

- Citizens Advisory Committee: The committee recommended Christian Carde Guzman (transcript variant: Calle/Calde Guzman) to the Citizens Advisory Committee; the committee voted 3–0 to recommend the appointment to the next step of the approval process.

- Local Historic District Commission: The committee recommended Christopher Gauthier to the local historic district commission; the committee vote was 3–0 in favor and the nomination will be taken up by the full council on Sept. 2.

- Director of Veteran Services: The committee recommended Lottie (Lotte) Rua to serve as Holyoke’s director of veteran services, effective April 28, 2025. The committee recorded a 3–0 recommendation and noted details included in the appointment paperwork: the position is full time and eligible for city employee benefits; it carries a six-month probationary period under the PSA contract; the director functions at department-head level and reports administratively to the mayor; and the nominee must obtain certification as a national veteran service officer within six months to retain the title. The nomination will be considered by the full City Council on Sept. 2.

Context and discussion highlights

- Applicants introduced themselves briefly when present. Megan Connolly described a finance background, including roles at JPMorgan Chase and MassMutual, and said she would serve as treasurer on the library board if confirmed. Margaret Whitehead described work as a writer, editor and educator and said she has used library services extensively; she stressed her interest in access to public knowledge. Christian Carde Guzman described prior social-service and technology roles and said he would represent Hispanic residents and help advise on equitable distribution of federal funds. Lottie Rua described her Navy service, her volunteer work with the War Memorial Commission and her intention to pursue veteran-service officer certification.

- Committee members asked applicants about potential conflicts of interest and availability. For example, councillors questioned whether Connolly’s freelance writing or other pro bono work would create conflicts; Connolly said she does not perform legal work and can manage her time. For Rua the committee clarified employment terms, reporting relationships and the certification requirement.

What happens next

All recommended nominations will be placed on the full Holyoke City Council agenda for a confirmation vote on Sept. 2; withdrawn nominations will not advance. The committee’s recommendations are advisory pending the council’s final vote.

Quotes

“I really believe that Holyoke is one of those communities here in Western Massachusetts that has a plethora of military history, and I would love to be able to continue to share that with our community,” Lottie Rua said when introducing herself and explaining her interest in the veterans director position.

“So I am Megan Connolly. I currently live in Holyoke, and I have for about a year and a half now,” Connolly said while describing her background in finance and her interest in serving on the library board.

Ending

The Public Service Committee adjourned after completing the items on its agenda. Several nominees who appeared before the committee were advised to attend the Sept. 2 City Council meeting when the full council will take final votes on the recommendations.