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Date: 10/25/2023
WESTFIELD — In advance of the city election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
All 10 candidates for the seven available at-large seats on the Westfield City Council were given the same list of seven questions. Two answers are being printed in today’s newspaper, and the remaining three will be printed in The Westfield News between Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, alternating with answers from mayor, ward councilor and School Committee candidates. Topics addressed by the candidates in the other questions include affordable housing, infrastructure needs, downtown businesses and the city budget. Candidates were given a limit of 75 words; responses that exceeded that limit were edited to fit the limit.
Candidates in other contested races were also sent questions. Mayor and ward councilor candidate responses were printed in the Oct. 12 edition of The Pennysaver, and School Committee candidate responses were printed in the Oct. 19 edition.
Six of the seven current at-large councilors are running for reelection: James Adams, Dan Allie, Brent Bean II, Cindy Harris, Kristen Mello and Richard Sullivan Jr. Additionally, at-large candidate Nicholas Morganelli Jr. is a current councilor, representing Ward 1. Challengers not currently on the council are Jessica Ann Britton, Jason Hosey and Robert Parent. In addition to running for at-large seats, Mello is running for mayor and Britton is running for Ward 2 councilor. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Unique attributes
What background, belief or skill would you bring to the City Council that nobody else on the ballot does?
James Adams: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Dan Allie: Since I did not grow up in Westfield, I needed to knock on many doors to be elected citywide, meeting and listening to people’s concerns. I have not forgotten what residents told or taught me. That is why my signs say Your Voice Matters. As an Army veteran, I took an oath to defend the Constitution, which affirms our God-given rights and written to protect Americans and be a check on government.
Brent Bean II: Twenty-two years ago, I pledged to make city government more accessible to the people of Westfield. It is more important than ever that an elected official listen to your concerns. This has remained my guiding principle as a city councilor. I am currently the business development officer at Westfield Bank with a background in finance and a master in public administration from Westfield State University. Having a finance background on the City Council can be … (75 words).
Jessica Ann Britton: … I am just like many of you. A working parent, a neighbor, and a community member. I have three children, two at WMS and one at WSU. I care about what we are leaving to Westfield’s future generations. I was born and raised in Westfield, attended public school here and Westfield State. … I’ve worked for global Fortune 500 companies and family-owned businesses. I’ve seen what works, and unfortunately that is not how government operates. … (75 words)
Cindy Harris: Impossible to know all life experiences of everyone. Instead I’ll say that for nine years I am the at-large councilor who presents to council the lowest yearly tax rate for homeowners/renters. As a human resource consultant, I understand people and their needs. As a former assistant assessor, I understand taxes, budgets. Am a Gold Star daughter. Respect all citizens.
Jason Hosey: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Kristen Mello: My unique contribution to the Westfield City Council is my background of science, math and insuppressible curiosity. I ask questions nobody else asks, want explanations deeper than “this is how we always do it,” and request easy-to-understand visuals to share with the residents. I also come from the “other side of the podium” — Public Participation. As both WRAFT director and city councilor-at-large, I have shared in our residents’ experiences while fighting for our rights.
Nicholas Morganelli Jr.: For me to answer this … I would have to know each candidate very well, which … takes months or years. ... However, I would say, the relational skills I have along with a deep sense of human condition because of my Christian faith, allows me to be the public servant God has called me to be. I always say, I’m not a politician, I’m a public servant. Politicians serve themselves and public servants serve others. … (75 words)
Robert Parent: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Richard Sullivan Jr.: I am a licensed attorney in Massachusetts since 1985. I have served eight years on the City Council over two separate tenures. I am honored to have served as Westfield’s mayor (1994-2007). I joined Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration first as the DCR commissioner, then in his cabinet as secretary of energy and environmental affairs and finally as his chief of staff. I … currently serve as president and CEO of Western Mass. Economic Development Council. … (75 words)
Keeping in touch
What will you do to keep in touch with your constituents throughout the city, and ensure their voices are heard when the council votes?
James Adams: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Dan Allie: For over 10 years, I have informed residents of what state and local politicians have done, writing articles, distributing flyers, using Facebook and collecting signatures for ballot questions, such as repealing the automatic gas tax (saving drivers $2 billion so far), restoring Chapter 90 road funds, ($775,000) or ending Common Core. In 2017, when the council quietly placed a ballot question, I led the campaign to defeat extending the term of mayor to four years.
Brent Bean II: One of my responsibilities is to serve the best interests of our residents. It is our duty to ensure that the people are well informed and participate in the decision-making process. To foster civic engagement, we must prioritize transparency and accessibility. … Publish information about upcoming budgets and projects on the city’s website and through social media channels. Organize regular public forums and City Hall meetings where residents directly interact, ask questions and provide input. … (75 words)
Jessica Ann Britton: I stated in the 12/15/2022 City Council meeting (www.tiktok.com/t/ZPR7rtFe5/), that we need a connection or outreach with the community. Very few are paying attention to the current modes of communication. People don’t know who the city councilors are and what their job entails. I want to bring transparency to city government. I want to hold quarterly meetings or town halls to keep the community abreast of projects that affect them and hear their concerns.
Cindy Harris: Each day is an opportunity to have conversations with citizens—in stores, business events, walking, open public meetings. Going out in the community to help promote optimism and address concerns helps in understanding the everyday situations of people so an at-large councilor can hear from all Westfield citizens. Thank you to the thousands who voted for me over the years and to new supporters. I’ll always represent you.
Jason Hosey: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Kristen Mello: Whether asking a question, sharing an opinion, or seeking help with a problem, constituent calls, texts and emails are our usual method of communication. Sometimes we have group or neighborhood meetings to find out more about a situation or issue that needs to be resolved. Some constituents also reach out on social media or through neighbors, friends, or family members. Oftentimes, texting me is the fastest way to reach me, if it’s an emergency.
Nicholas Morganelli Jr.: I use many means of communicating with the residents of Westfield. Mostly email, phone calls, texts, social media through my NickforWestfield facebook page and my secondary email address NickforWestfield@gmail.com. I would say, taking the time to meet face to face and have a conversation has been the most fruitful and productive. I will continue to do that as I have done in past terms serving the people of Westfield.
Robert Parent: At press time, this candidate had not responded.
Richard Sullivan Jr.: I have personal contacts, address, phone and emails all published and publicly available. I also am very active in the community, attending a significant number of community events over the course of the year and can often be seen talking to constituents at the grocery store, local variety store or a local restaurant. I like talking to constituents and have always thought this is the most important part of my job as an elected official.