Dan Allie, candidate for Ward 2 City Council
WESTFIELD – Dan Allie, 53, of Union Street, hopes to earn the respect – and votes – of the residents of Ward 2 in the November election.
Allie, an Internet sales manager, said he wants to bring more fiscal responsibility to the City Council.
“I believe responsible city spending is the best way to provide essential services, protect jobs and ensure our taxes remain stable,” said Allie. “We should put people before politics in local government. Government should be open and transparent, responsive to the taxpayers, business owners and residents, not special interests.”
Allie said he “has always been a bit of an activist” and believes people need to be involved in the community and political process.
“I want to be an independent voice on the city council working to represent my neighbors and the residents of Ward two. It begins with listening to people, getting the good advice and asking tough questions to find the best solutions to challenges we face as a community,” he said.
ALlie is hoping – along with Ralph Figy – to fill the seat vacated with the resignation of former councilor Jim Brown last fall. The unfilled seat has been a source of contention for some residents of the ward, concerned they have no represntative from their neighborhood.
“It gives an unintended meaning to the phrase ‘taxation without representation’,” Allie stated. “It is not an ideal situation for those of us residents, and businesses in Ward 2, that an important section of the city is unrepresented, I hope and trust that anyone who has had any issues, would find the mayor and other councillors available to helping. As I go door to door, gathering signatures I am sure I will hear people’s concerns.”
Allie has always taken pride in being part of the community.
“The Allie family has been active in community projects and organizations in Westfield and surrounding communities for the last 25 years,” he said. “ We have organized neighborhood efforts, raised money and volunteers, and worked with our legislators to renovate two parks, a school playground and get our local roads paved.”
In 2002, Allie received the Edmond P. Garvey Award from Springfield Technical Community College for Outstanding Community Service. Beginning with his church and various youth ministries with inner city children, Allie said he has been involved with local Boy Scouts, neighborhood improvements and helping first time candidates run for public office.
“From teaching a Boy Scout merit badge or helping with Eagle Scout projects, community theater to community clean ups, there is no job too big or too small when friends and neighbors work together,” he said.
Allie and his wife Theresa have two daughters, Christina and Marie, one son Joe, and granddaughter Chloe. They are expecting two more grandchildren this summer.
Allie served in the U.S. Army as Battalion Commander’s secretary, 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division, West Germany. Allie is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College where he was named Graphic Arts Student of the Year in 2002. He is the Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 570. He is the Chairman of the Westfield Republican City Committee and a member of the Western Mass Republicans.
Allie said he hopes to be a voice for residents of Ward 2.
“Out of control state spending is taking money away from cities and towns across Massachusetts. We all share a common future in this community and need to work together for the common good,” he said. “I want to represent all working families and taxpayers, city employees, teachers, police, firefighters, seniors and our small business owners.”
