Read this Letter to the Editor as it originally appeared June 09, 2023 on TAPintoWestfield.

Running for re-election for Town Council, Ward 4

It has been my honor to serve Ward 4 residents for the past four years on the Town Council, where I’ve worked with my colleagues to spearhead projects and initiatives that have moved Westfield forward. 

I joined the council at the start of the global pandemic which gave me a crash course on the importance of a strong, skilled government that works for residents. The administration was able to address the immediate needs of residents and businesses while continuing to work for the future. I believe that is how, despite a global pandemic, we have been able to deliver on key initiatives. 

One example is my work on the Recreation Commission, where I delivered the Edison Fields project, a first-ever shared service agreement with the Board of Education. This project will provide state-of-the-art fields for our student athletes and band members, increase playing time for our town sports leagues and allow for the expansion of girls teams in field hockey and flag football.  

When I ran four years ago and promised to make rejuvenating our downtown a priority, I knew we needed solutions that would increase foot traffic for downtown businesses. With the addition of 55+ housing and class A office space, One Westfield Place plans to deliver just that and so much more. More importantly, One Westfield Place will reimagine the community for the 21st century to ensure Westfield continues to thrive well into the future. 

When Hurricane Ida hit, it highlighted the need for improvements to Robinson’s branch of the Rahway River as well as some other areas in Westfield that experienced flooding during the storm. Afterwards, I toured the ward and spoke with residents to learn about the problems. As a result, the town purchased apparatus to take video and analyze the condition of our underground pipes, which assists the Department of Public Works in debris removal. We are working with the state Department of Environmental Protection to secure permits to remove debris from the river.

As a member of the finance committee for the last two years, I’m proud that we have maintained a healthy budget in light of many challenges. Our surplus was replenished to $9.35 million this past year and we reaffirmed the Town’s AAA bond rating. 

The work we’ve started is only part of what is necessary to meet the needs of our residents, and I am committed to working with my Ward 4 constituents to make sure their voices are heard.

My role on council is as a resident, a friend and a neighbor. I am also a father and a husband. My wife, Caroline, and I, have two children, Nate, 19, a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech, and Amelia, 17, and a rising senior at Westfield High School.

I look forward to continuing my service, working hard, soliciting input from my Ward 4 neighbors and ensuring that everything we do reflects the needs and desires of our community.