Sen. Don Humason (R-Westfield) (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – State Senator Donald F. Humason, Jr. (R-Westfield) said on Monday that he is considering running for Mayor of the City of Westfield.
Humason said when Mayor Brian P. Sullivan announced that he was not going to run again, he started thinking about it. “I like him very much,” Humason said about Sullivan, saying he was sorry to see him step down. “When these doors open — it doesn’t happen often.”
Humason, who was born and raised in Westfield, said this would be a chance for him to come back home, and he is seriously considering it. “I’d be so torn. I really like what I’m doing,” he added.
Humason is serving his third term in the Senate, having run unopposed in November, 2016. He previously served as a state representative from 2002 to 2013. He said he has finally achieved seniority in the Senate, has been reappointed as the Assistant Minority Leader, and serves on the powerful Ways and Means committee and on Veterans and Federal Affairs, among other committee assignments.
Humason said he would miss Beacon Hill, and working with the legislators. He said he would also miss working on behalf of the ten other communities that he serves, adding that he has worked hard to build up relationships with the councilors and people in those other cities and towns. “I can still continue those friendships,” he added.
“It’s too good an opportunity not to consider,” Humason said, adding that becoming Mayor of Westfield would cap his political career. “These are two great opportunities, almost an embarrassment of riches,” he said.
About Westfield, Humason said it has “hit its stride.” With a lot of the infrastructure work that has been done, he said the city is putting its best foot forward for the 350th year celebration. He acknowledged that there is still work to do, including the Cowles Bridge project and Western Avenue. He said people tend to see the glass as half-empty, especially around concerns with bridges and roads. “We’re in good shape. We have to build and maintain,” Humason said, adding, “I prefer to see the glass as half full.”
Other important issues he noted include the water, which he said is being addressed by the Mayor and City Council. He said education is important and must always receive our attention; the physical buildings, the demographic trends and shifts, and the educational outcomes.
Humason also talked about important changes in public safety in Westfield, with the Police Chief about to retire, and the Fire Chief vacancy. “There are a few challenges,” he said.
“There’s nothing wrong with Westfield that what’s right with Westfield can’t fix,” Humason said. He said right now the forecast is for a good economic year in the Commonwealth, and he hopes to bring in more Chapter 70 (local aid) and Chapter 90 (roads and infrastructure) funds into the city this year.
“Growing up here, living my entire life here, I have a lot of great memories,” Humason said. These include performing in one-act plays in Westfield High School, and singing with the Dan Kane singers at Christmas in Springfield before 5,000 people. “That was a lot of fun,” he said.
He said he thinks that his son Quinn, who is in second grade at Highland Elementary School, may follow in his footsteps and get involved in performing.
“I get the sense that people who live here don’t always appreciate Westfield as much as people outside, who are always saying it’s great what you have there. Especially friends from Westfield State (from which Humason graduated with a degree in criminal justice), who come back to Westfield and drive through. They can’t believe how beautiful the community is. They see the investment. We don’t see it. Obviously, Westfield cares,” he said.
“The goal for any of us in public service, our job, is to get our own residents to appreciate Westfield as much as people outside of the community do,” he added. “I hear it every day, how much they like what’s going on in Westfield.” Humason listed a thriving Chamber of Commerce, a busy business center, and active citizens who donate their time to events like the 350th celebration.
“We’re really lucky,” Humason said.
Humason said he has a few more people to talk to who were themselves interested in running for Mayor. He said he didn’t want to stand in anyone’s way, but he would like to talk them out of it. “Brian gave everybody a lot of time,” he said.
