WESTFIELD – With a background in public service, as well as working in the private sector, Mary Ann Babinski feels she has the skill set to look at all sides of an issue and find common ground.
“There is a way to get people to work together to figure out how to solve a problem,” she said.
Babinski, a resident of Ward 1 for 48 years, is running for the Ward 1 seat on the City Council. She grew up in Ward 1B and now resides in Ward 1A on Beverly Drive.
Babinski believes in “community building” which encourages all parties to engage in fruitful dialogue to find a solution to an issue.
“When I talk to people in Westfield and across the state, everyone wants a safe, healthy place to live and work in,” she said. “and to ensure that our quality of life is protected.”
Babinski said her careers in the education field and as a corporate trainer and customer support engineer, have afforded her a unique perspective to look at any situation and find solutions.
“I don’t give up,” she said. “I don’t accept ‘no,’ we can’t do that.”
Babinski said her training as a teacher, trainer and facilitator has prepared her for the work she would do on the council.
“I am a team player,” she said. “I love to work with people and engage in open dialogue.”
Over the years, Babinski has served as a member on a variety of committees including the state Environmental Justice Alliance, Alternatives for Community & Environment, the Valley Zero Waste Steering Committee, and Westfield Concerned Citizens. She has also served as a Town Meeting member and a Cable Access Board member when she lived in Easthampton. Babinski is also an environmental activist who stands for causes in Massachusetts and across New England. She was also pleased to learn that Westfield Concerned Citizens applied for and received a grant from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund to continue their work within the city.
Babinski is especially passionate about protecting the city’s natural resources and in particular, the Barnes Aquifer and the North Side’s open space areas.
“I attend the Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee meetings and will continue to be engaged,” she said. “I will be a voice for Ward 1 residents to champion a sustainable and environmentally just future for our city.”
Babinski also acknowledges she will be an advocate for transparency in city government, involving residents in decision-making, ensuring sensible and responsible spending within city departments, and supporting initiatives to build a vibrant and welcoming downtown community.
“I will also support green jobs and businesses,” she said.
Babinski thanked the many city residents who also donate many hours to commissions in the city.
“The people who sit on these boards do fantastic work,” she said. “They really are setting up Westfield for the future.”
Another area that Babinski cares deeply about is the Columbia Greenway.
“I walked on the path the other day and I hope more people take advantage of it,” she said, adding her hope is that the trail will be extended in the future which she would support.
“I hope the bike trail will get people to come downtown,” she said. “We also have to find ways to encourage businesses to come downtown which will encourage more foot traffic.”
As Babinski continues her canvasing of Ward 1 constituents, she reiterates her campaign slogan – “Putting People First.”
“Local government needs to take extra steps to recognize, inform, and include residents in the decision-making process whenever a project would impact their health, safety, and quality of life,” she said. “Given the opportunity, I would be honored to work for and with the residents of Ward 1 to create positive and responsible change in our community. I will go that extra mile.”
