Kristen Mello (File Photo)
WESTFIELD – Former City Councilor Mary O’Connell and Westfield Residents Advocating for Themselves founder Kristen L. Mello have taken out papers to run for election this fall.
Mello took out nomination papers last week for both mayor and at-large city councilor after being urged to run by fellow residents. Mello is largely known for her advocacy for clean water in the city, which is her top priority as a candidate.
“People have been asking me to run for a while and I kept saying no,” she said, “but after people walked out of the ATSDR meeting last week with their hearts on the floor I stopped saying no.”
Mello referred to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry informational meeting last week regarding the planned PFAS Exposure Assessment. Mello has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry.
Mello said she is physically affected by the weather and is unable to be outside for long periods of time to collect signatures. Instead, her supporters took her papers to the streets on her behalf.
“It’s really a grassroots effort,” she said.
Mello is not yet sure which papers she will return for certification.
“I have more research to do,” she said. “I will run for whichever position in which I can be more effective to protect residents.”
Mary O’Connell (FIle Photo)
O’Connell is hoping to be elected to the Ward 4 council seat she held for 12 years before deciding not to see re-election in 2018. Michael Burns is the current Ward 4 councilor.
O’Connell said her reason for not seeking re-election was two-fold.
“I really wanted to have a part in the Westfield 350 celebration,” she said. “That was a two-year commitment and it’s winding down.”
She also wanted to step back and gain new perspective. She said she is now energized after serving on the Westfield 350 board and has some concerns about what is happening in the city.
“I’m concerned about finances as we approach the levy limit, infrastructure and overall budgeting,” she said.
O’Connell said she believes the next term will be exciting.
“We’re going to have a new mayor, and that’s exciting – I just think it will be a great next term,” she said.
O’Connell said her background as the former owner of two local businesses, her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and her years as a councilor make her a desirable candidate to serve her constituents.
“I have the experience and the skills, and I’m energized,” she said.
Current At-Large Councilor Matt Emmershy also took out nomination papers last week for re-election. Robert F. Boyle took out papers for the Municipal Light Board, and Kathy Knapik took out nomination papers for a six-year term as a Westfield Athenaeum Trustee.
Nomination papers can be taken out until 5 p.m. Aug. 2.
