Mayoral mayhem; altercation at Pazzo

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Agawam Mayor Susan Dawson and her boyfriend’s estranged wife were involved in another fight at another Springfield restaurant and police were called, according to Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney.

The attorney for Celeste Benoit, Daniel Kelly, told 22News police were called to Pazzo Restaurant Thursday night after a verbal altercation between his client and Dawson. Each was asked to leave the property around 8:30 p.m. according to Byron White, the co-owner of Pazzo.

Sgt. John Delaney told 22News that Benoit walked into restaurant land saw Mayor Dawson with her estranged husband. Benoit allegedly approached them and said to the Mayor: "Congratulations on your loss."  The mayor then allegedly threw a drink in Benoit's face. A pushing match ensued, but was quickly broken up. No one was injured, according to the police report.

In April, the Agawam Mayor was allegedly physically assaulted by Benoit at neighboring Max’s Tavern. Dawson claims Benoit pulled her hair, pushed her to the ground, and kicked her. Benoit is facing charges of stemming from that first fight and was ordered to stay away from Dawson after her arraignment.

Kelly said a move by the District Attorney to have Ms. Benoit's bail revoked was denied late Friday afternoon.

Efforts to reach the Mayor at her home and office for comment have so far been unsuccessful. An aide told 22News Dawson has taken a vacation day today.

On Tuesday, Mayor Dawson lost her bid for re-election in Agawam, finishing in fourth in a field of seven. Former mayor Richard Cohen and realtor Derek Benton will face off in the November general election.