CHICOPEE’S FUTURE

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Samuel R. Shumsky

WARD SIX CITY COUNCIL

Chicopee’s story began as early as the 1660s, rooted in resilience and hard work long before our official incorporation in April 1848. We adopted the motto Industriae Variae—“Varied Industries”—to reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that built our city.

Our legacy includes the Ames Manufacturing Company, famously known as “Lincoln’s Arsenal” during the Civil War, which also cast the bronze doors of the U.S. Capitol; the Duryea brothers, who built the first gas-powered car in America right here in 1893; and the A.G. Spalding Company, which produced bicycles in the late 19th century and pioneered the invention of the inflatable ball in 1955.

That same spirit of innovation and determination still defines us today.

As your representative, I believe Chicopee’s best days are still to come. When we come together as one city, one community, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. Let’s keep moving forward—united, optimistic, and ready to lead.

MEET SAM

Samuel Shumsky is known for many things, from being one of the youngest elected officials in Chicopee and Massachusetts history and being one of the first people from the 21st Century to be elected nationally, to his energetic leadership, community-first mindset, and dedication to real results. From schools to streets, Sam has been a steady advocate for a stronger, safer, and more sustainable Chicopee.

During his time on the School Committee, he was a vocal supporter of education reform and transparency, including speaking out during the superintendent nomination process to ensure student and teacher needs come before politics. He’s also pushed for forward-thinking initiatives like the development of STEAM labs in every grade level to prepare students for the future. 

Sam’s leadership goes beyond education. From his time on the Planning Board, where he served as Vice Chair, to his time on the City Council, where he sponsored the citywide ban on single-use plastic bags to combat litter and keep neighborhoods clean. He has backed efforts that fund vital public safety equipment and improve city services, from sanitation to emergency response.

On infrastructure, Sam has supported road repair initiatives and investments in better pedestrian safety. He’s also advocated for park upgrades and community space improvements, helping make Chicopee a better place to live and raise a family.

Above all, Sam brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to city government—listening to residents, finding common ground, and fighting for the future Chicopee deserves.

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