I would like to make several comments regarding Michael Roeder’s appearance on The Westfield News Radio Show this past Thursday February 12th, and the article that appeared in The Westfield News this past Friday, February 13th. First I’d like to share a couple of thoughts of his radio interview, and in fairness I did not listen to the entire interview. Mr. Roeder, you were being interviewed by the host of the program and the owner of The Westfield News. His name is Patrick Berry. On two separate occasions I heard you call him Pete. Also, Westfield is a city, not a town. When referring to the council, it would benefit you if you didn’t refer to it as a town council, which you also did, but rather a city council. When Mr. Berry mentioned road construction projects to you, you said that Western Avenue would be at the bottom of your list but when he asked for another project that would top that you couldn’t name one, although you said there would be no road projects included in your budget. When he mentioned how difficult it was to navigate Shaker Road (giving you a way out), you said that would be one that would be above Western Avenue but does it really matter? If you’re going to exclude road projects, what difference does it make? Regarding the article in Friday’s newspaper, you said “There are a couple of people who have such a degree of loyalty to Knapik, that they couldn’t possibly serve under me.”, and “But some people will be asked to leave even if they’re under contract. That’s just part of the game.” How much will it cost the taxpaying citizens to buy out their contracts, or to defend the city in the event of a wrongful termination lawsuit? Based on what I heard and read, you appear to be a person who already has preconceived notions on how things need to be addressed and don’t want to listen to other points of view. It reminds me of a former MA governor who twice ran for President and failed. If that is not the case, please be more articulate so radio interviews and newspaper articles represent your views accurately. Thank you.
