Hello Ward 3, and the rest of Westfield.
Sorry, I am remiss in commenting on the last City Council meeting. But, first, I would like to Congratulate Stefan Czaporowski on being appointed as our new Superintendent of school. If he can do half of what he did to improve the city schools as he has done at Westfield Technical Academy, we are in for an awesome school system. His positive and dynamic approach to education has gotten attention from all over for the real substantive developments at the WTA.
Second, While attending the Sheriff’s and Cong. Neal event at the Holyoke Boy’s Club, I had a chance to talk with Cong. Neal regarding the Windfall Elimination Provision going through the House. This effects State Retirees who also worked in the private sector. Currently, when you retired from the State you only got 40 percent of your Social Security. This provision will enable you to collect the full amount due to you for all your years in the private sector. There was an important discussion onthisthis past week. Cong. Neal feels that it should also be to go through the Senate without much of a problem.
Another positive: I would like to say something positive about our City Council. I know this is not normal but, the way they handled the discussion regarding extending the term for Mayor, and Councilors from 2 years to 4 was outstanding. Councilor at Large Flaherty plan to do so was met with some serious discussion that did not get caught up in the more usual conflicts. The areas for discussion were 1. Do we have this on the Nov. ballot for the voters of Westfield to show support for this idea. 2. Whether to have the elections staggered where by half are elected with the Mayor, and the other half elected 2 years later. With the possibility of At Large one year, and Ward Councilors 2 years later.
My thoughts are: yes have the public weigh in and prevent a lot of anti’s protesting the action and thus distracting them from their primary functions of managing our public resources to our public benefit. And, no. to staggered elections. If we run them together we get greater voter turnout and we save tax dollars with only 1 every 4 years. What do you think? Contact your Councilors and let them know. Also there is the Public Participation session at every Council meeting when you can speak in support or in opposition to the Council. Look for the next meeting of the Legislation and Ordinance Committee will meet to fine tune this change. Remember it is your responsibility to have input into their decision making, after all we hire them to come up with solutions, but we have to pay for it and live with the results. Next, while at the meeting, I ran into Mr. Billips, our Superintendent of Public Works where I brought to his attention a major pot hole on the corner of West School St., and Charles. The next day it was filled. Thank you Mr. Billips for your prompt response.
There has been rapid progress on the tearing down of the Flahive Bldg. on Arnold St. It is hoped that by fall that the PVTA will have the Bus pick up site well under way. I want to thank the public for their patience dealing with this process.
Lastly, for those residents, and businesses in the Gas Light District, remember to contact Westfield Gas and Electric about getting in the fiber optics to attract new businesses, and for us. My guestimate is that it would be cheaper or the same as we pay for cable.
Thank you for your feedback, and you area still welcome to let me know of your concerns and issues, as I will continue to advocate for them.
Brian Hoose ([email protected])
