LYNN BOSCHER
WESTFIELD – Lynn Boscher is a big fan of the concept of service.
A Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Air Force, Boscher moved to Westfield in 1967. He began working for the Travel Bureau of Westfield, owned by his wife Mary’s parents, which was the first company of its kind in the city, six years later.
“Since the mid ’70s I’ve been active in this community,” Boscher said. “Because I like the community and I think it’s great to give back.”
It was during the twilight years of his ownership of the agency that Boscher began serving as the Executive Director of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, a position he held from 2005 till 2010, an organization whose net membership he built up to close to 50 percent.
Now retired, the Rochester, New York native is looking for a new challenge, and as a first time candidate for Ward Two’s Gas & Electric Commission seat, he believes he can keep the municipal organization strong.
“The current structure is extremely good,” Boscher said of the G & E. “They are well capitalized. The commissioners have a fiduciary responsibility and the G & E is run for the benefit of the ratepayers and citizens of Westfield.”
An alumnus of Holyoke Community College, Boscher has been involved in numerous community youth organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, along with serving stints on the city’s Planning Board and City Council, and he currently serves on the Rotary Club of Westfield, the Business Improvement District and the city’s Zoning Board, along with the Board of Directors for the STCU Credit Union as Vice Chairman.
“If you have a question or problem, all you have to do is call, or email, or go through the website,” he said. “I’m always available.”
Boscher believes that the G&E’s service to the city has been “top shelf” and looks to continue that, if elected.
“If there’s a problem, the G &E is there to address it quickly, promptly, and accurately. We have to protect our ability to respond. I have no faults (with what they’re doing), but we need to look to the future. We can’t rest on what we’ve done,” he said.
“(Westfield) operates three fiber optic rings that go around the city. The G & E is doing parts of it and trying to get people on it,” he explained. “It transmits to the receiver on the telephone pole which is a good positive aspect and can be built upon.”
Currently a commercial property owner in the city and former business owner in Southwick, Boscher feels he has a unique viewpoint on energy issues.
“Our former business in Southwick was on Western Mass. Electric, which can give me a perspective on how the G & E is doing versus how WME did.”
