Name: Rudy Musterait
Address: 14 St. Paul Street
Occupation: Garden Sales Associate Home Depot/ Westfield, MA. Former owned/manager Rudy’s Greenhouse, Westfield, MA.
What experience and qualifications do you have that would be an asset to the city?
I owned and managed a successful business for 30 years. In running a business I was able to work very well with people, including employees and the public at large. Being able to manage cash flow, purchases and expenditures are pre-requisites for any successful business.
Have you recently met with city department heads to discuss their needs/concerns/budgets and if so, which ones?
I consider it an impropriety to meet and discuss concerns with city department heads prior to being elected into office. This could be construed as campaigning because city department heads are employed by the city of Westfield. And as such, they should be neutral in this regard.
If you could change how the Council works, what would be your priority?
The council and their meetings should be as transparent as possible to the people of Westfield. Their decisions and protocol they are following must contain the concerns and needs of the people of Westfield.
What are your top three areas of concern for Westfield and how would you like to address them?
My three top concerns are: 1). The roads and how they are maintained. 2). The drinking water problem/solution. 3). The ever-present budget/property taxes. Roads should be made to not fail so frequently. Everybody uses roads. This is the lifeline of the city. They should be upgraded to keep up with the increasing truck traffic. Perhaps, new materials could be used in improving road quality/life. The quality of the drinking water should be next to none. The solution in Westfield is to be connected to a clean water source. Carbon filters can be a temporary solution only. The budget that the city develops should be based on Westfield’s needs, not wants. Budgeting finances requires setting priorities. We need to improve upon setting priorities and planning accordingly. In relation to property taxes, value assessments of people’s homes must be fair and equitable across the board.
Why should residents vote for you?
I believe I can bring a fresh, new perspective to the city council. Perhaps, develop new ways of solving problems. My experience in running a small business can help Westfield immensely. I come from a working-class background knowing the full value of a dollar. Money is not to be spent or wasted foolishly. As a sitting councilor you are the steward of the taxpayers money. And as such, you should get as much value for that dollar as possible.
What prompted you to see an At-Large City Council seat?
I am concerned with how our city is governed. I believe our city councilors have become distanced from the average taxpayer in Westfield. The city council needs people with common sense ideas that reflect the average person’s needs and will listen to the people. I am not a politician, but rather a blue-collar guy.
