Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. speaks during his inauguration Jan. 6, 2020. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
WESTFIELD – Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. spent his first day in the corner office Jan. 6 organizing, attending meetings and planning events.
“It was wonderful,” he said of his first day as mayor.
The former senator begins his term on familiar ground with his former Senate aide Michelle Moriarty working for him in the mayor’s office along with assistant Holly Lugio.
For Humason, the position is new, but service to the community is not.
“This is not my first job, so I have the enthusiasm and excitement of having a new job, but I don’t have the jitters,” he said. Humason served as the state senator for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District for the past six years and was previously Westfield’s state representative and legislative aide to former senator and representative Michael R. Knapik.
Jan. 6 not only marked Humason’s first day as mayor, but his last day as a senator.
“My senate seat expired at 5 p.m. Jan. 6,” he said. “I am feeling a bit nostalgic about that, but I’m really excited about the coming year.”
Since the November election, Humason has spent time in City Hall getting to know staff and learning more about issues. He said he wants to have a team approach.
“This is a team effort,” he said. “We need the City Council, School Committee, Gas and Electric, Law Department, all department heads . . . and from what I’ve seen, everyone is willing to help.”
As a senator, Humason worked with 11 communities. As Westfield’s mayor, he is able to delve into the details and joked that now that he has city budget responsibilities, he will wish for less snow to keep the snow and ice budget in check.
Humason is planning a Mayor’s Open House next month to welcome the community to his office and hopes to host it the same night as a City Council or School Committee meeting to encourage residents to attend municipal meetings. He is also planning the Mayor’s Ball, which will be Jan. 25, the same day as the annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser for the Amelia Park Children’s Museum, during which participants brave the cold water at Hampton Ponds to raise funds for the museum.
Humason has participated in the Plunge since its inception 15 years ago.
“This will be my first time not taking the plunge, but as [my wife] Jan said, I have to make a choice and I have to keep my suit dry,” Humason said, referring to his tradition of wearing a full suit and tie into the icy water for the Penguin Plunge.
Humason said his friend and fellow plunger Rick Barry has participated in the Penguin Plunge for 14 years and this will give him a chance to “catch up.”
“Next year Rick and I can do our 16th Plunge together,” he said.
The rest of Humason’s week includes more meetings with department heads and other officials.
