Please be advised that Governor Deval L. Patrick has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Greene of Mansfield who died February 10, 2013. This gubernatorial order applies to: 1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls. 2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings. 3. All state military installations
Good morning. This morning in the city of Westfield I drove down Cross Street where they are anticipating to build a brand-new elementary school. And, of course, we all know, or we should all know, that there is a court case going on, for and against. One question: we know the delay has been substantial. Is it costing the city of Westfield a penalty for every day that no work has started? Has the construction company assessed us funds? Or is there no assessment whatsoever? Is the contract still void or null? I’d like to have an answer whether this is costing the city of Westfield additional dollars. If somebody could help me and answer that, I’d certainly appreciate it. Have a pleasant day.
I would like to thank Shawn Barrett and partner from the Westfield Water Department , for taking their time to come and plow the Morris st area. We as property tax payers that pay their taxes , should not need to be out in the city owned street shoveling , attempting to make pathways so our vehicles can make it down the street so we can get to where needed. This street was not plowed until 4pm, there was no need for that when hired plows were plowing other street numerous times. Numerous callers were calling the police station trying to get a plow out here and the last time I called the dispatcher was very rude. What would have happened if someone needed the police because of a dispute? Better yet, what if someone needed to go to the hospital for whatever reason, no ambulance would have been able to make it down the street, then what? One of my neighbors is in the National Guard and needed to be out towards Boston to help out there, but couldn’t make it out there to help with the storm because the street was not plowed, that is disrespectful! These people will come and plow 3 inches of snow, but not 3 feet of snow? That makes no sense. This neighborhood may not be the best, but we DO NOT deserve to wait until 4pm for our street to get plowed. And here it is, Monday afternoon, and it has not been touched sense! So, thank you Shawn and partner for at least clearing a pathway so out cars can at least make it down the street. Maybe the DPW can come now and do their job!
It is encouraging to read stores and restaurants in downtown Westfield are opening or expanding. However, it is unfortunate that the increase in the sale of alcohol to University students is the reason for some of this increase in business. One has only to read the Police Log to realize the burden this behavior is placing on the police and taxpayer. Many University students are an asset to our city, for example the Circle K Club and other community involvement activities. Perhaps University officials could do more to eliminate unlawful activities of students more interested in partying then appreciating an education financed by state taxpayers. Is there any disciplinary action by the University to censure off campus disturbances and do they reimburse the city for lockups etc.? From Westfield State’s Dean of Students: Westfield State works closely with the City of Westfield Police to identify and prevent students and/or locations from becoming problematic especially in the area of alcohol abuse with a goal of ensuring the well-being of students and the community off-campus, of protecting property and minimizing the burden on the police department. Students do get referred to the university by the City of Westfield Police for disciplinary action for off-campus violations with the offense subject to jurisdiction by both the Board and the Student Government Association. Anyone who commits a criminal violation, however, is subject to prosecution by the law. The police do not charge the university for lockups, which would likely require a blanket policy in place to charge everyone. That said, the university is very mindful of its role and impact on the city, which is why it hosts events that are free and open to the public, creates partnerships to contribute to the city tax rolls like the leasing of Lansdowne Place, and encourages faculty, staff and students to spend their dollars in Westfield. The university?s debit card Owl Bucks program alone has contributed nearly $1.5 million dollars to the local economy since 2009.
Just for the record I am a resident of Ward 2 and I do not believe Mr. Winters was a candidate in 2011 and thus should not be seated on the City Counsel. I just wanted it registered there is at least one resident against his position. Regardless what the courts decide, in my mind a candidate is one who actively campaigns during an election either as a candidate on the ballot or actively sought to be elected as a write-in candidate. Mr. Winters did neither.
