WESTFIELD – John J. Beltrandi III has a goal of completing work he began during his first two terms as an At-large member of the City Council, bring issues he sponsored, and which are still in committee, to the floor for a vote.
Beltrandi sponsored two zoning ordinances that would allow development of flag lots and allow common driveways which are currently prohibited during his four-year tenure as an At-large member. Both ordinances are still in committee waiting for further action.
Beltrandi also halted consideration of an ordinance that would have required city department and contractors to pave curb-to-curb after cutting or trenching city streets to install new or repair existing underground infrastructure.
Beltrandi, who is in the construction trade, argued that the issue of patches settling, eventually becoming potholes, has little to do with paving and is more an issue of proper compaction of soil to prevent the settling of the soil, the cause of the asphalt dipping downward, an argument accepted by his fellow council members because of his expertise in that field.
“I bring real-world expertise to those types of issues,” Beltrandi. “I can explain those things to the average person and to my fellow councilors. My company does road construction, sewer and water line installation, routinely.”
Beltrandi, during those two terms, served as Chair of License Committee, Chair of Legislative & Ordinance Committee and a member of the Finance Committee.
Beltrandi, prior to his election to the City Council, served as chairman of the city’s License Commission for 18 months, developing a direct relationship with the Police Department during that experience, while assisting many owners of businesses which are licensed by that commission.
“As a business owner, I am sensitive to how difficult it is for small local businesses to survive in this economy,” Beltrandi said. “I have owned several properties in the city, and have experience as a business owner in dealing with many departments within the city over the years.”
Beltrandi said that a major issue of his campaign is to bolster the Highway Division of the newly consolidated Department of Public works
“It is imperative that we fund the Public Works Department fully to assure safe roads and timely repairs,” Beltrandi said. “This department is a shell of what it was years ago, yet they are asked to do more with less all the time.”
“Many candidates have spoken regarding spending,” he said, referring to the At-large City Council Forum sponsored Tuesday night by the Westfield News and the Chamber of Commerce.
“Well this is an area where we need to reevaluate priorities. Many residents have now forgotten how bad the roads were last year during the winter, but they will remember in a short couple of months when Mother Nature raises havoc again,” Beltrandi said. “It’s difficult for the DPW, with its limited staffing they have now, to provide the proper level of service residents expect they should provide.”
“I’d like to see less dependence on outside contractors because if they can do more of that work in-house, it will save taxpayer money,” Beltrandi said. “The Highway Division staffing needs to be beefed up, they need to be able to deliver services to residents.”
Beltrandi said the “issue of the new school has been a burden for all involved. We have an obligation to give our kids proper facilities.”
“The court will ultimately decide the outcome of this issue and in the meanwhile we bus our kids to Russell,” Beltrandi said. “No parent wants their children to be sent to another town, but we are fortunate to have found that facility in the interim.”
Beltrandi said the city has to build on the foundation of recent highway and infrastructure improvements to market the city.
“We have the WG&E, Baystate Noble Hospital, Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield State University, Stanley Park, Direct access to the Mass Pike,” Beltrandi said. “All the tools are there to attract business, create jobs, and make Westfield an attractive place to raise a family. I know! I did it, and I want my children and grandchildren to do the same.”
“The next administration will be tasked with balancing increasing expenses and less revenue,” Beltrandi said. “It will take some creative work to put together a budget that works while living within our means. Nobody likes new taxes! But the reality is the state is sending less local aid money to us, and we have an obligation to provide services. These services come at a cost.”
“I have served in the military, served as a commissioner, and served as a City Councilor,” Beltrandi said. “Once I decide to become involved in something, it’s a passion. I thank all that have supported me in the past.”
