Westfield’s mayoral candidates participate in a recorded question-and-answer session Sept. 18 for WCPC Channel 15. From left to right are candidates Donald F. Humason Jr., Michael A. McCabe, Kristen L. Mello and Andrew Mullen. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
WESTFIELD – The city’s four mayoral candidates will be narrowed to two Sept. 24 when voters cast their ballot in the preliminary election ahead of the Nov. 5 city-wide election.
The four candidates – Donald F. Humason Jr., Michael A. McCabe, Kristen L. Mello and Andrew Mullen – participated in a forum Wednesday recorded for Westfield’s cable Channel 15. Hosted by Ken Stomski, each candidate was asked the same series of questions followed by a four-minute open speaking opportunity that Stomski called their “soapbox” speech.
The recording will run on WCPC Channel 15 throughout the days leading up to the preliminary election Tuesday.
During his soapbox, Humason, the current state senator for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district that includes Westfield, said he is a lifelong resident of the city, attended school here, is raising his family here and simply loves the city. He said his parents instilled in him that love and always encouraged him to give back to Westfield. Humason said he has done so through his roles as a state representative and senator and hopes to continue that as mayor.
“I’ve had an opportunity to learn about good government,” he said.
Humason said he would listen to people with expertise in fields he does not possess, and said he would take advice, weigh it and make the best decision possible. He would draw on his work in the 10 other communities of his district where has learned what to do, as well as what not to do.
“I have the advantage of working with mayors and councils in the other communities I represent,” he said. “That perspective is a helpful one.”
Humason said “at the end of the day, I love my city” and his goal is to make it a good place to live.
McCabe, who moved to Westfield from New York at age 12, said he has what the city needs during his soapbox.
“I have the energy, enthusiasm, education, expertise — and most of all the experience – to enhance our already great city,” said McCabe.
McCabe, Westfield Police senior captain, said he works collaboratively with various departments in the city and is an “on the ground volunteer” for the Lions Club, Police Cadets and Boys and Girls Club and is a cross-country and swimming and diving coach. He is also a 20-year adjunct professor at Westfield State University.
“I have a bastion of experience handling budgets and labor,” he said.
McCabe said nothing will change in city government until people do the work differently.
“I promise you I won’t do things the same way,” he said. “It’s not about the who, it’s clearly about the what in government.”
Mello said during her soapbox that she was running because she was asked.
“I’m here because voters asked me to be,” said the Westfield native.
Mello is running for mayor and council at-large and said when she had the opportunity to withdraw from one position, she asked her fellow mayoral candidates what they would do to protect residents, particularly in regard to water contamination. She said she did not feel the city would be protected and decided not to withdraw her candidacy.
Mello said she does not know why the city “didn’t take care of it” in 2013 when contaminants were first discovered, or in 2016 when they had to shut down a well.
“People are tired of this,” she said.
While clean water is Mello’s major focus, the co-founder of Westfield Residents Advocating for Themselves mentioned STEM education and technology as other concerns and said “our children do not need to drink more PFAS.”
“We need to solve these problems and if people would like me to help solve them, I appreciate their vote,” Mello said.
Mullen, who is also a city native, said this was his first candidacy for any elected position and his first political soapbox.
“I’m coming into this with little experience, but a fresh perspective,” he said. “I can se the budget numbers in a new way.”
The stay-at-home dad used his soapbox time to talk about the schools and said he hopes his son will be a graduate of the Westfield High School Class of 2030.
“I’d like to see more art, I’d like science in elementary schools,” Mullen said. “My son only has science one day a week. MCAS is very important, but we focus so much on that and I want to see them get the well-rounded education they deserve.”
Mullen said he believes any of the four candidates would make a good mayor. “I think we all have different ideas, but we all want what is best for the City of Westfield,” he said. “I want to make it the best place for as many people as possible.”
Mullen said if elected he would call upon his fellow candidates for their expertise but said he would serve the city well.
“I think I’d do a heck of a job as mayor,” said Mullen.
The preliminary election is Sept. 24. Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
