2017 Westfield At Large City Council Candidate Gary Wolfe. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Having no experience in politics, Gary Wolfe is looking to bring a fresh and new perspective to the City Council as he seeks a seat as an At Large City Councilor.
Living in Westfield for more than 17 years, Wolfe has been involved in the community in various areas by serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Westfield Food Pantry for 10 years, singing at the St. John’s Lutheran Church and working on the Westfield 350th fundraising committee.
Before moving to Westfield, Wolfe attended Southwick High School and graduated in 1987. He worked at H.B. Smith out of high school and then worked at Berry Plastics for 20 years. Now, Wolfe manages Freihofer’s West Springfield store.
Being an involved resident and wanting to see the city continue to grow, Wolfe felt it was time this year for him to step in directly and hear the comments and concerns from his fellow neighbors.
“I’m a people person, I like to listen to people,” said Wolfe. “I’m willing to learn and grow.”
One of the first aspects of Westfield that Wolfe said he wants to work on improving is the vibrancy and activity that is occurring in downtown Westfield. While he noted all of the events, thriving small businesses, and creative ideas that have been flowing, Wolfe still believes that downtown hasn’t reached its peak yet.
“I’d like to see a little more,” said Wolfe. “I think we do have opportunities but I think we can explore and get a little more for residents to take in.”
Delving into his interest to assist small businesses in the city, Wolfe would like to see fees to small businesses end. But, on the other hand, the 48-year-old resident is eager to help the larger businesses in town and giving individuals more job opportunities.
“I’d like to just see Westfield get a better flow of industry,” said Wolfe.
Clearly a hot-button issue every year, the city budget is also a specific area that Wolfe would like to attack if elected onto City Council. Wolfe said that he doesn’t want taxes to continue to increase, but he also doesn’t want several accounts to be cleaned out of the budget just so taxes don’t get raised.
If he becomes a member of the City Council, Wolfe wants to help improve the cohesiveness of the council.
“I would like to at least be a part of it to just to help the common working person,” said Wolfe. “I just feel that there’s a lot of disconnect lately.”
