Sonia Brockney and former Mayor Brian P. Sullivan following the announcement in January that Sullivan would not seke re-election. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – After winning 11 elections in the city, including consecutive terms as mayor, city councilor and school committee member, and serving a total of 22 years in public office, Brian P. Sullivan announced on Jan. 30 that he would not seek re-election for a third term as mayor.
“I made a promise (to run) until my attitude changed or I lost an election. I haven’t lost an election,” Sullivan said. However, he conceded, his goals and desires had changed.
Sullivan said he felt the time was right to leave after four successful years as mayor. He cited balancing every budget, successful negotiations with employees, a record setting roads program, identifying a new elementary school location with the support of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and new business growth as accomplishments.
Mayor-Elect Donald F. Humason, Jr. (WNG File Photo)
After telling the The Westfield News in February that he was considering a run for mayor, state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr. (R-Westfield) officially announced on March 21 that he had decided to run for mayor of the City of Westfield after 18 years in state government.
“I want to thank Brian Sullivan for his service to our city as mayor and city councilor,” Humason said. “I was sorry to hear that he would not be running for re-election. That got me thinking about the position and serving my hometown in a new and different way other than as a state representative or state senator.”
Humason served from 2003 to 2013 as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 4th Hampden district. From 2013 to 2019, he served as a member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district.
Michael McCabe with wife Jen and daughter Kate at the announcement of run for Mayor of Westfield in May. (File Photo)
In his first bid for an elected office, Westfield Police Capt. Michael A. McCabe announced on May 2 that he would challenge Humason in a run for Mayor.
“As a husband, father, community activist, philanthropist, educator, professor, coach and dedicated servant to the city of Westfield for the past 34 years, (and) currently a captain of the Westfield Police Department, I am announcing today that I am running for mayor of Westfield,” McCabe said.
Following McCabe’s announcement, several more candidates also considered taking on the challenge. On July 10, At-large Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. signed out papers for mayor, at-large councilor and Ward 1 councilor, one of the last serving councilors to do so.
“No decision should be taken lightly or quickly. I’m taking more time to think about it,” Morganelli said on Thursday. “Basically, I’m deciding which position would better serve the City of Westfield for the fiscal well-being of Westfield,” he said.
Ultimately, Morganelli withdrew from the mayoral contest, and settled on a run for Ward 1.
At-large Councilor Elect Kristen L. Mello
Two weeks later, Westfield Residents Advocating for Themselves (WRAFT) founder Kristen L. Mello also took out papers to run for election for two contests.
Mello took out nomination papers for both mayor and at-large city councilor after she said she was urged to run by fellow residents. Mello is largely known for her advocacy for clean water in the city, which she said was her top priority as a candidate.
Political newcomer and single father Andrew Mullen, 33, was the last of four candidates to pull papers for a run as mayor of Westfield, which he returned on Aug. 6.
“It was a bit of a late decision,” Mullen said. “I thought it was a good idea to get some fresh ideas into Westfield.” He said this would also be his first campaign running for anything.
Mayoral candidate Andrew Mullen with his son, Aiden. (Photo submitted)
The preliminary election for mayor was held on Sept. 24. At the end of the day, Humason and McCabe were the city’s candidates for mayor. Humason received 1,793 votes while McCabe received 1,689. Mello had 396 votes while Mullen received 29.
The city-wide election was held on Nov. 5. Forty percent of registered voters — 9,978 out of 24,919 – turned out for the local elections, which included a competitive and close race for mayor and city council.
Humason received 4,983 votes to his opponent McCabe’s 4,886 votes, a 97 vote difference.
Mayor-elect Donald F. Humason Jr and Police Capt. Michael A. McCabe, a candidate for mayor, speak Nov. 8 during a joint press conference where McCabe conceded to Humason. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
Twelve candidates ran for seven at-large councilor seats. Incumbents Matthew Emmershy and Andrew K. Surprise were edged out, while one political newcomer, Kristen L. Mello, and two former councilors were elected.
The at-large elected councilors in order of votes received were: Brent B. Bean, II, 5,039; Dan Allie, 4,763; James R. Adams, 4,427; Cindy C. Harris, 4,304; Richard K. Sullivan, Jr., 3,997; Kristen L. Mello, 3,789; and Dave Flaherty, 3,749.
At-large candidates not elected were Andrew K. Surprise, 3,678; Matt Emmershy, 3,666; Rudy F. Musterait, 3,599; Matthew T. VanHeynigen, 3,442; and Dan Moriarty, 2,697.
Ward 1 candidate, At-large Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. defeated Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski by 55 votes, 960 to 905.
Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy defeated Ward 2 Candidate Juan F. Navarrete, 577 to 356.
Ward 3 candidate Bridget Matthews-Kane earned 1,074 votes in an uncontested race for the ward seat.
Ward 4 Councilor Michael J. Burns kept his seat, receiving 946 votes to 715 votes for former Ward 4 Councilor Mary L. O’Connell.
At-large Councilor John J. Beltrandi, III took the Ward 5 seat from incumbent Leslie D. Lefebvre, with 772 to 210 votes.
Ward 6 Councilor William J. Onyski retained his seat, fending off challenger Jeffrey A. Neece, 938 votes to 601.
Acting Mayor Ralph J. Figy. (Photo submitted)
The week before the city-wide election, Mayor Sullivan announced he would be cutting his term short to become the director of Green Communities for the Commonwealth beginning Nov. 12.
Sullivan’s last day as mayor was Nov. 8, after which City Council President Ralph J. Figy assumed the role of acting mayor which he still holds until the inauguration and swearing in ceremony on the morning of Jan. 6 at the Westfield Technical Academy.
“I’ll keep the city moving forward,” Figy said, adding that after six years on the council he felt up to the task, and was glad to be able to serve the citizens of Westfield until the new mayor is sworn in.
The next scheduled meeting of the City Council has been moved to Monday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. in City Council chambers, the same day of the inauguration and swearing in of new councilors.
