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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD With the dawn of the new year came the beginning of a new era in Westfield. The abrupt conclusion of former mayor Richard Sullivan's decade-long tenure has paved the way for dramatic changes in leadership. City officials have said they are hoping that fiscal restraint plus new leadership -- the appointment of a new mayor, School Committee, City Council, department heads and president of Westfield State College (WSC) -- will equal economic revitalization throughout Westfield. For decades economic development has been a focus for this city, and newly elected Mayor Michael Boulanger said he is committed to working with one of the city's largest employers -- WSC -- and its new president Dr. Evan Dobelle, to revitalize Westfield's slumping economy. "The college will play a critical role for an economically successful downtown," Boulanger said, adding that Dobelle's extensive professional and personal experience as a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts will aid in this effort. He explained that the approximately 5,000 students and 600 faculty and staff are vital to the downtown economy. Boulanger said he and Dobelle must work together to find ways to create a stronger student presence in this area of the city. "What's good for downtown Westfield is good for Westfield State [College]," Dobelle said. "For students to have the opportunity to shop and eat and have visitors stay at a hotel ... whatever we can do to have a partnership we want to be a part of the city of Westfield." Boulanger explained that some ideas for increasing student presence downtown would be for more retail stores to take up the many empty storefronts, housing or a satellite campus. He, like many other city and WSC personnel, said they are hoping that Dobelle's experience and commitment to Westfield will create economic prosperity. Richard Romani, manager of Belle Italia Pizzeria on Elm Street, said businesses count on student presence in order to remain open. He explained that business slows down significantly while the students are away for holiday breaks. Romani said that with the students slow return this week for the spring semester he's already seen a peak in business. Looking ahead to the formation of the FY 2009 budget, Boulanger said he is hoping that fiscal responsibility and an increased presence of students and residents throughout downtown will aid the economy. He explained that prior to drafting the new budget he will be meeting with each department head, as well as checking equipment and vehicle usage to ensure there is no wasteful spending. Boulanger said that every department head must be able to "justify" their spending "especially when times are tough." Ward 5 City Councilor Richard Onofrey Jr., also a member of the Finance Committee, said FY 2009 will prove to be a "tight budget year." He explained that members of the Finance Committee will be reviewing the budget "line by line" ensuring that each department head has justified their spending practices. Onofrey said as of yet there are no budget cuts slated for FY 2009, however, he and members of the Finance Committee and City Council will be reviewing the mayor's upcoming budget with a fine-tooth comb. City Councilor at large and President of the council Brian Sullivan said, "[The] FY 2009 [budget] will reflect FY 2008's progress." He added that the fiscal restraint practiced in last year's budget has aided the increase in the city's stabilization account -- with a current balance of about $800,000. Sullivan said he hopes that fiscal responsibility will eventually lend itself to future increases in each department's budget. City Councilor at large Joe Wynn said "belt tightening" will be necessary within next year's budget. He added that even though this practice will "not be easy or politically popular," it is essential to ensure the city's financial stability. | ||||||
