14-04-2025
Chicopee mayor defends religious message broadcast on street sign
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – An electronic street sign operated by the city of Chicopee posted a religious message on Monday.
Now, residents are asking who authorized this message, and how it relates to local government. A 22News viewer sent pictures of this street sign with a bible quote attached, posing the question of how religion plays a factor in local government.
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On the corner of Front Street and Wheatland Avenue, an electronic sign that's normally used to warn of road hazards posted inspirational messages Monday morning. One of them was a Bible verse from the Book of John, reading, 'If God is all you have, then you have all you need.'
This was no accident, according to Chicopee Mayor John Vieau. When asked about this message, he defended it, saying it's not about religion.
'There's no intention to offend anybody, and it says 'In God We Trust' on our dollar bill,' Mayor Vieau said. 'If you don't believe in God, that's not what it's about. It's about a feel-good message to have some feelings of belief.'
While the idea of the sign is to broadcast feel-good messages, when adding religious context, it can put into question the relationship between church and state. The sign is posted right outside Chicopee High School. The superintendent of the Chicopee School District declined the request for an interview. However, 22News spoke with one resident who said he runs right by the sign every day.
'I actually run over here and I see the messages,' said Joseph Rivera of Chicopee. 'I actually think they're good, 'cause they mention God and they mention good stuff like that. This one here says don't be afraid, just do it. I think that's perfect, especially for runners. I'm a boxer too, so that's actually perfect.'
Mayor Vieau also said if the sign offends anyone to contact his office and it will be removed.
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