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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Before the mayoral debates later this month, candidates Brent Bean II, and Michael Boulanger are diligently working the campaign trail, speaking with Westfield citizens and outlining future plans for the city and the mayor's office. Recently, Bean, a Westfield City Councilor At-Large announced his "four-point communication plan" for the city, in order to "include the citizens of Westfield in the decision-making process." The plan outlines four outlets for communication between City Hall and residents, which include "regular ward meetings each year; administration working groups and weekly team meetings; drop-in office hours for constituents; and expanding the availability of detailed policy initiatives through the use of the Internet." Bean said these four avenues of communication will help to bring the government to the people with more ease and create options for greater citizen involvement. He added that while the "final decisions will rest with him" the collaboration of citizens and working teams would allow him to make the most educated decisions on how best to satisfy the city's needs. Boulanger, director of the Westfield Emergency Management Agency, said he is not only concerned with bridging the gap between City Hall and Westfield residents but also the gap between departments. "I think there needs to be a whole different mindset in town government, a complete collaboration within departments," he said. "Whenever departments work together to achieve a common goal the department will not fall behind and it would help to prevent problems like the School Department budget." Boulanger added that if he became mayor his door would always be open to residents. "Their goals are my goals and their problems are my problems," he said. "What they feel is important is what I should be listening to." Another widely discussed campaign issue in this year's election is the much-needed development of the city's infrastructure. Bean said that if elected he will be "tackling infrastructure project planning in his first 100 days of office." Specifically he said he "will work with [the] City Council to establish a long-term capital budgeting plan to address long-awaited infrastructure improvements in city roads, utilities, schools and civic buildings." He said he is trying to increase the city's funding for road repairs because of the importance of transportation safety. He added that he would like to increase the city's funding for the road construction program in FY09 from $1.1 million to $1.4 million. Another public safety concern for Bean is the dependable functionality of fire hydrants. He said there needs to be an "annual testing and replacement of faulty hydrants." As director of the Emergency Management Agency, Boulanger said his number one concern is public safety. He said that formalized scheduled inspections are vital in making sure that deteriorating hydrants are not overlooked. Another safety issue on the forefront of Boulanger's mind is the implementation of an Emergency Notification System. Currently he said a number of systems are being considered but are only in the proposal stage. Other much needed public projects that have Westfield residents talking include the expansion and renovations to Westfield High School. "The high school is bursting at the seams," Bean said. He added that School Department has estimated the costs of the expansion and renovations around $40 million, of which the city would have to pay 35 percent. Bean said he plans to develop a "capital spending plan to include associated local costs." Boulanger said, while the budget is "somewhat limited" prioritizing the needed renovations is a good place to begin as well as the exploration of grant monies. Another hot topic in Westfield is the building of a new Senior Center, which Bean said he will "work to recommend a site and a plan in early 2008." "I will provide the leadership necessary to reach a final determination for the direction of this project and deliver on this promise that has been made for our Senior Citizens." Boulanger said another topic throughout his campaign has been the revitalization of downtown Westfield. He said it is important to attract new businesses to the area to create economic spin-off. Boulanger added that he does not believe that the construction of the Multimodal Transportation Center will "be effective to that end." A mayoral debate sponsored by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce will take place on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at Westfield State College in the Ely Campus Center. Lynn Boscher, executive director of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce said questions for the mayoral debate can be e-mailed to him for consideration at boscher@myonlinechamber.com. Those who wish to submit questions must include their name and telephone numbers. | ||||||
