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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Mayor Michael Boulanger's dedication to the city has made him eager to take office since election night. The day after his victory he was already at City Hall meeting with Acting Mayor Charles Medeiros to discuss his transition. Boulanger wanted to make sure he hit the ground running for his first day in office last Monday. In his inaugural address at North Middle School on Jan. 7, Boulanger outlined his plans for transition and strongly noted his commitment to every constituent and city affair. In an interview with Reminder Publications, Boulanger said his top priority for his first 100 days in office is to develop a "master plan" for the city's development and to evaluate all departments to ensure property functionality. He added that effective Jan. 7 he has frozen all hiring of city personnel until each department is carefully reviewed. Boulanger called for a "transparent government," a push for teambuilding, and "a new era of cooperation and communication." "Together we can do great things for Westfield," he said, adding that City Hall's biggest challenge is to "break away from the status quo." Boulanger said that constituents and those in city government must give ample attention to all challenges facing Westfield today. He explained that he and others must encourage economic development, specifically in downtown in order to create revenues that will supplement the decreasing state aid. Boulanger said this area must be returned to "the vibrant downtown of yesteryear." He called attention to the "sagging" school and city budgets. When developing the FY2009 budget, Boulanger explained that there must be a balance between the priorities and the limited resources. "Industrial growth and controlled spending are key to financial problem solving," he said. Boulanger emphasized his belief in teamwork and to build renewed partnerships for a common goal. He said he is looking to establish an Infrastructure Priority Task Force and other teams and committees to ensure communication and development. City Councilor at large and chair of the Finance Committee John Liptak said Boulanger's willingness to work with the council and commitment to financial stability are very encouraging. He explained that often members of the council would discover the plans of those in City Hall through the newspapers but that Boulanger has suggested improved and timely forms of communication. Boulanger also noted his commitment to education and affordable housing for all. He said that city government must be responsible for bridging the affordability gap within the housing market. State Rep. Donald Humason Jr., R-Westfield, said he is "confident that the words of the new mayor will ring true." He praised Boulanger's "bold leadership model as a sign of a great leader." State Sen. Michael Knapik, R-Westfield, said that 2008 will present new and old challenges for the state budget but that Boulanger's commitment to building the city's economy will certainly help to offset expenses. He explained that while the area is experiencing record highs of state aid, it has not been enough to outweigh the softening economy and tightening revenues. Knapik said he believes Boulanger's "fresh set of eyes to the problem" will be a valuable asset in the coming months as the state and local governments create their FY2009 budgets. | ||||||
