MATT VANHEYNIGAN
I hope everyone has enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season, and that all have had a great start to 2014.
After enjoying much quality time with my family over the holidays, and following the swearing-in ceremony of January 6, I am proud to officially be serving as one of your new At-large city councilors, and eager to work for and with you to help shape our city’s future. As much of the work of the council is done in the various committees outlined in the city’s Code of Ordinances, I look forward to working with my fellow members of the city council to research the issues referred to the committees to which I have been assigned, and do whatever work may be necessary in service to the city and residents through these committees.
Legislative and Ordinance Committee — On this committee – -“whose duties and responsibilities shall include investigation and recommendation on all resolutions, orders, and ordinances…This committee shall have initial jurisdiction over legislation and resolutions proposed by the Commonwealth or the United States government” – – I look forward to working with Councilor Sullivan (Chair) and Councilor Adams, and learning from their combined service of twenty-three years to the city council. One ordinance that we are expecting in the near future will be that which is proposed for medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. I plan to utilize my planning background in particular to inform the council’s deliberations on this topic, and many others referred to this committee.
Public Health and Safety Committee — On this committee – – “whose duties and responsibilities shall include the investigation and report on all matters coming before the city council concerning public health, public safety (fire, police, and emergency management), human services, traffic, streets, highways, sidewalks, public transportation and street-lighting” – – I look forward to working with Councilor Adams (Chair) and Councilor Figy to help ensure that interests of public health and safety are appropriately addressed by the City.
Governmental Relations Committee — I look forward to serving as chair of this committee, “whose duties and responsibilities shall include working in conjunction with [the other members of the council] as appointed by the president to serve as the liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission, Airport Commission, Cultural Council, School Committee, Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Municipal Association and such other municipal boards and officers, and civic organizations, not specifically assigned to another committee.” Joining me on this committee – which will also have initial jurisdiction relative to proposals from adjoining communities or districts – will be Councilor O’Connell and Councilor Hoose. I look forward to working with them and the other members of the council – as well as various department heads and other city officials – in addressing and reporting on issues through this committee.
In addition to my committee work, I will also serve as a liaison to the Planning Board (on which I just completed service of over seven years), and the Historic Commission. As there is much happening and proposed for the city that is relevant to either or both of these public bodies, I look forward to calling upon my planning background while lending my voice as one of your councilors on these and other such issues going forward.
Most of all, I am here to serve you – all of the city’s residents – as one of your at-large councilors – so please feel free to contact me by email or by letter to my home address (6 Hawthorne Avenue) with any issue that you would like to discuss or for which you would like some assistance. Of course, if your question or issue is specific to your ward, I encourage you to first contact your ward councilor.
I look forward to meeting and serving you. Best wishes to everyone for a great year ahead!
Matthew VanHeynigen
City Councilor At-Large
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of the Westfield News.
