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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Last week's City Council Forum at Westfield State College provided the nine Ward candidates and 13 at-large candidates the opportunity to sway a few more votes as the countdown to Election Day is almost up. The forum allowed each candidate a three-minute presentation beginning with the Ward candidates. Christopher Keefe, candidate for Ward 1, began the forum by saying that he "believes in good government and public service." He added that Westfield needs a "face of experience" within the council and cited his experience as a former Ward 3 City Councilor. Keefe said he is most interested in tackling issues of traffic and economic development. Keefe's opponent, James Poteat, was second to present his plea to voters. He said he believes that there is a "lack of communication" between the people and town government and he promised that if elected "people will get answers." "I hate secrecy, there is too much of it in this city," he said. "If you pay the bills you deserve answers." He added that he wants to "shake things up" and believes that his 26 years of experience in the Air Force and 28 years as a Westfield resident make him qualified for a position in town government. Ward 2 incumbent Daniel Knapik was next to present, however, he was not in attendance. Knapik is running unopposed. Peter Miller, Ward 3 incumbent, who is also running unopposed, said since he was first elected in 2003 he has prided himself on "thoughtful, well-reasoned deliberation" over every issue that has come before the council. He said he will continue to be an advocator for infrastructure improvements, improved zoning, quality schools and highway maintenance. Ward 4 incumbent Mary O'Connell said in her presentation that throughout her last term she has been "fighting for [Ward 4's] share of the city budget." She added that money has been, and will continue to be used for curb and road repairs and improved drainage. O'Connell pledged to "continue to make [Westfield] a great place to live and work." O'Connell's opponent, Michael Burns said, "For the past two years the residents of Ward 4 have not received the representation they deserved." He added that he will work for a reduction in property taxes and fair property tax assessments. Burns said he will also focus on infrastructure improvements and "advocate for a five-year capital improvement program." He said he will also work to "prevent overdevelopment in Ward 4, one of the city's most scenic areas." Richard Onofrey, the Ward 5 incumbent, said as a member of the Finance Committee he is committed to making sure tax dollars are well spent. He said he will work to "ensure [that] streets are paved and well maintained" and that the sewer extension plan proceeds. Onofrey noted that as a Westfield resident living on a street without a sewer system he realizes the importance of sewer extensions in the city. Onofrey's challenger, Patricia Pac said as a Westfield resident all her life she has become increasingly concerned with high-speed traffic and missing street signs, which hinder public safety. She said she will not vote to increase taxes for homeowners and will work to restore the "vital, active downtown." Pac also said that she will be a watchdog for the school and city budgets. Christopher Crean, the Ward 6 candidate, who is running unopposed, said he "will not take [his] responsibility as a City Councilor for granted." He noted his experience as a former City Councilor at-large, which will aid him at his new post. Crean said he will work to maintain the balance of Ward 6's residential and business development. Crean was followed by the three-minute presentations from the at-large candidates, beginning with the incumbents in alphabetical order. James Adams said the city needs to identify goals and set timelines in order to achieve fiscal stability. He called for all city departments to collaborate over future goals. He said that as a city he feels it's living "day-to-day" and that "new revenue streams must be sought." Adams also said that he will continue his efforts in securing a site for the new Senior Center. The next incumbent at-large candidate, David Bannish was not in attendance. John Liptak said that since being elected in 2005 and as chair of the Finance Committee he "cares about the financial future of [this] city." He added that Westfield is "at a crossroads" with the appointment of a new mayor and that he is committed to slowing down the current spending trend. However, he said that he "will not promise lower taxes" because "it is not possible at this time." Brian Sullivan noted his 10-year experience on the City Council as well as being a prior president of the council. He said he advocated for the $2 million bond for the technology center at Barnes Airport, which will "help schools and students to get a leg up." Sullivan said he will also work to alleviate traffic congestion. Joe Wynn said he will continue to serve with "honesty and integrity." He said he will advocate for quality education, an expanded high school and a new Senior Center. He said that he discourages "urban sprawl in downtown" and called for the building of the reserve in order to "build bonding capacity and building projects." The first at-large challenger, Gaetano Denardo, was not in attendance. In his presentation, challenger Glenn Fuller said he will bring many years of business experience to the council and a commitment to getting the budget under control. He said he will "advocate for homeowners, good roads, schools, and police and fire protection." Current Ward 1 City Councilor and acting mayor Charles Medieros said the city is at a crossroads and that a number of tough decisions must be made. He called for the replacement of the "cramped Senior Center" and the "increase in school space." Medieros noted that Westfield "can't always count on state and federal money." Nicholas Morganelli said he "has no personal agenda." He added that he will "advocate for more dialogue between residents and City Hall" and that he "cares deeply" about the welfare of "students and small businesses." Morganelli said he will also "promote good stewardship" of the taxpayer's money. The next candidate, Theodore Perez was not in attendance. Donald Podolski noted his experience as a business owner in Westfield owner of New Horizons Sports and member of various public committees the Non-Motorized Subcommittee of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Transportation Committee, and the Columbia Greenway Citizens Advisory Committee. He said he will work for new business development, traffic safety and the integration of pedestrian traffic within motorized traffic. Thomas Sgroi said he is dedicated to fair representation, listening, earning the trust of constituents and making Westfield a better place to live. He noted his experience as a teacher within the Westfield public school system and a resident for 42 years. The final at-large candidate Denise Twining said she decided to run when she heard that City Councilor at-large Barbara Swords would not seek reelection. She added that she wanted to "maintain a strong woman's voice" within the council. Twining said she will work for environmental protection, traffic management and infrastructure improvements. She said she "will bring new light to the city of Westfield." | ||||||
