BRENT BEAN II
WESTFIELD – Brent B. Bean II was elected last night to serve as the 2014 City Council President as the city’s legislative body, which includes six new members, began its 2014-15 term.
Bean, nominated for the post by Brian Sullivan who served in the same capacity last year, and David A. Flaherty, nominated by Ward 4 Councilor Mary O’Connell, both briefly addressed their fellow councilors.
O’Connell made the motion to open the floor for discussion to allow Bean and Flaherty to describe their “vision” for the upcoming year.
Flaherty thanked Sullivan and Ward 1 Councilor Christopher Keefe who both served as council president during the previous two-year term.
“I had some differences, but respected the opinions of both of you,” Flaherty said. “This will be a very challenging year. We have six new councilors and great expectations for what can be accomplished during the next two years.”
Flaherty said the seven returning incumbents will have to serve as mentors to the new council members.
“Sometimes we have to slow down a little bit,” Flaherty said, suggesting a formal “buddy system” between the experienced and new councilors and that whoever serves as president will be required to be flexible during meetings.
Bean said that he served as council president a decade ago.
“I did the job in 2003 during a contentious term back then,” Bean said. “I hope I bring value-added when it comes to experience and move the city forward. That’s my promise to you.”
“My door will always be open. I will listen to what you have to say. I might disagree, but I am a strong advocate of voting,” Bean said.
President Pro Tempore Keefe then called the vote on the nominations. Bean received 10 votes to Flaherty’s three. Councilor At-large Dan Allie joined O’Connell and Flaherty in the minority.
Sullivan then moved for reconsideration of that vote and O’Connell requested Keefe to explain to the new members why the vote was being reconsidered.
“The prevailing councilor is traditionally given the well wishes of all council members,” Keefe said.
Bean received the support of all 13 council members on that second vote.
