“Let’s pave the way to a better Westfield.”
That message – created when he was a freshman at Saint Mary High School – is still relevant today, according to Mark Butler who is running as a Westfield City Council At-large candidate.
Butler, who lives with his family on Fox Hill Drive, has lived in the city for 14 years and is one of five children.
“Four of us are adopted including my beautiful brother with Down Syndrome,” he said. “Since my adoption, and the birth of my brother with his disability, I have dedicated my life to community service and volunteer work.”
As Butler contemplates a career in engineering, he is currently working for a firm that specializes in micro-electronic subcomponents for the U.S. military and NASA.
“I am currently working in the mechanical field as I pursue future options in engineering,” he said.
In Butler’s spare time, he volunteers as a mentor for Special Olympics to support his brother, volunteers with the United Sports Program which links children together with and without disabilities, and has served as a coach for a Park and Recreation basketball team.
“I learned a lot about volunteering while at Saint Mary since we are required to complete 120 hours of service,” he said.
Butler has also spent a great deal of time working on ballot questions that he is passionate about, including repealing the automatic gas tax increase, increasing funding for road maintenance, and restoring local aid of education funding.
At 20, Butler said he has learned a lot from his father who has always stressed the importance of asking the right questions.
“To be a good legislator, you must ask good questions and find compromise,” he said.
Butler enjoys researching issues and engages those who have the knowledge about a particular subject.
On the subject of Common Core, Butler said he has been visiting teachers for their input.
“I have asked teachers how they would do it differently,” he said.
Key issues that Butler emphasizes when he conducts meet-and-greet sessions include supporting small businesses and lowering property taxes.
“I understand working families, seniors and small businesses are struggling and cannot afford to keep paying higher property taxes,” he said.
He also emphasizes the need to grow the economy and increase job opportunities.
“The economy works best when people keep more of their hard earned money to spend and invest,” he said.
Butler is also concerned about the city’s roads and infrastructure, and questions whether the money allocated for special projects is spent correctly.
“Are we allocating money where it is supposed to go?” he asked, singling out the school system and road maintenance accounts.
Butler considers communication and cooperation skills among his strengths, as well as understanding the importance of listening to others and being a team player.
“We lack communication, organization and preparation,” he said, noting the Cross Street construction as an area of concern.
“You need a will to cooperate with others and I’m willing to listen to opposing opinions,” he said, adding he doesn’t like to give stances until he has done his research.
Where does Butler see the city headed in the future?
“Westfield is a well-cultured city that offers a lot to individuals and families,” he said. “Westfield is a place to be raised, to settle and raise a family, and to retire in.”
Butler also would like to see Westfield Technical Academy become more involved in city projects, and is bullish on the North Side’s solar energy opportunities.
“Personally, I want to stay here,” he said. “I want to help make decisions on what the future can hold for Westfield.”
