DANIEL MORIARTY
Name: Dan Moriarty
Address: 164 Valley View Drive
Occupation: Journalist, retired, Sgt. First Class, Mass National Guard, retired
What experience and qualifications do you have that would be an asset to the city?
I covered Westfield government, Mayor, City Council and boards and commissions for 30 years as a journalist. As a journalist I had to bite my tongue, at least in formal settings, but now I like to have the opportunity to speak my mind. I have acquired an understanding of how our city governments works, especially on the level of the boards and commission which make a lot of the decisions to affect the quality of life for city residents. I also learned a great deal of knowledge about organization during my 25 years in the military as a non-commissioned officer (NCO).
Have you recently met with city department heads to discuss their needs/concerns/budgets and if so, which ones?
I have spoken with several city departments during my retirement, still have all of those contact phone numbers in the flip phone (I do hate technology, but use it to achieve goals). Many of the people that I dealt with as a journalist have since retired, but I have always had an ability to develop relationships and will use the skills that I developed for about 30 years as a journalist to gather information to make informed decisions in the best interest of the residents of Westfield.
If you could change how the Council works, what would be your priority?
I would not change the way the City Council works which is set by the City Charter and would be difficult to change, requiring several citizen referendums, an expensive process, and a vote of the state Legislature. I would change the culture of the present City Council which I see as being very divisive.
What are your top three areas of concern for Westfield and how would you like to address them?
I am concerned that more than 85 percent of the city budget is dedicated to salary for city employees which leaves only 15 percent of the budget to pay for materials and equipment, such as salt to clear ice and snow, for paper and copy machine used by all departments. I do not support cutting salaries and reducing the number of municipal employees who deliver services needed for the safety and security of city residents. I do however believe that we should audit city departments to determine if there are more efficient means of delivering those services.
Why should residents vote for you?
I spent 30 years learning about city government and how it works. I also spent 25 years in the Army Reserve and Natural guard with tours in Panama, Bosnia, Afghanistan and twice in Iraq defending the rights that we all hold dearest, such as the freedom of religion, of speech, of self-determination. I will continue to defend those rights as a member of the City Council.
What prompted you to see an At-Large City Council seat?
I was prompted to seek election of the City Council because I’m concerned about the culture of the current council, that agendas of some members do not put the greater interest of the residents of our city foremost.
