In my recently released issues platform, I stated that a primary objective of my candidacy for mayor is to
lead and support effective government that benefits and enhances the lives of our citizens and our city.
At the core of that objective is responsible government that is fiscally strong and well managed. As I
think of responsible government, I am guided by the fundamental needs, concerns and well-being of our
citizens. As father of two children, Tori and Christopher, both WHS graduates and now college students,
I understand and fully appreciate the day to day challenges our citizens face attempting to make ends
meet. I live with these same daily concerns as you-the cost of health care, education, general cost of
living, and yes unfortunately taxes.
The city of Westfield requires a solid fiscal foundation to provide the essential city services and other
resources necessary to maintain a thriving, healthy and innovative community. In fact, in March 2015,
Standard & Poor’s, the independent credit rating service, affirmed the City of Westfield’s ‘AA’ long-term
rating and underlying rating on the city’s outstanding General Obligation debt. This rating is based on
S&P’s assessment of a variety of key fiscal factors. In particular, the rating agency noted Westfield’s
strong management, with good financial policies; very strong liquidity, providing strong cash levels to
cover both debt service and expenditures; and strong budgetary performance. This independent credit
report reflects the sound fiscal management I supported resulting in the city’s current stable financial
position. I am proud of this accomplishment.
As mayor of the city, my highest priority will be centered on providing the vision, leadership and
effective management of maintaining a fiscally sound and balanced budgets that support our local
government. The budgetary process prioritizes and allocates investments in education, basic city
services, community services, economic development, assistance for our seniors, veterans and related
social services, park, recreation & quality of life activities, to name a few. However, to be undertaken
properly, the process requires strategic, thoughtful and yes, oftentimes difficult decision-making
designed to serve the best interests of the city and its citizens for the short and long term.
During my eighteen years as a City Councilor and eight years as City Council President, I have been a
leader actively engaged in the budget process and proven my ability to make the tough choices required
to balance the needs of our growing city while being fiscally responsible. Having worked collaboratively
with city council members and various mayoral administrations over the years, I have also demonstrated
my knowledge and deep experience to guide the city through demanding economic times. While at
times quite challenging, I have made the difficult but financially prudent decisions responsive to the
needs of the citizens of Westfield and consistent with the laws and ordinances governing municipalities.
Every decision I make involves a full consideration of the value received for our hard earned tax dollars.
I voted to support quality public education that will help every child to succeed. I voted to support
school building construction, technology advancement and support for our dedicated teachers and
administrators. I have also voted to support public safety initiatives that will keep our neighborhoods
safe. I voted to support the construction of the new senior center that will provide much assistance to
support the independence of our elderly citizens. I voted for needed road, sewer and water
infrastructure repair and development.
My leadership commitment as mayor is to engage all of our elected officials in a governing partnership;
as I have successfully done as council president. I intend to foster teamwork, collaboration and
respectful discourse so that we are as productive as possible in our work together. We need our city
government to reflect who we are as a community – a diverse, richly talented community of family,
friends and neighbors working together toward a better Westfield.
While the City of Westfield is clearly on the right path despite facing tough economic challenges, we can
and must do more. Now more than ever, the city needs an experienced, proven leader that will make
informed, prudent fiscal decisions in support of effective and responsible government. I am a candidate
for mayor of this great city because I believe I am the right leader with the right experience at the right
time for Westfield. I ask you for your vote on November 3rd.
Brian Sullivan
Candidate for Mayor
City of Westfield
