JOHN VELIS
WESTFIELD – House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) has requested a special election to be held on April 1 for the seat of former State Representative, and now State Senator, Don Humason. The primary, if needed, will be held on March 4.
The winner of the race will immediately need to collect 150 signatures to get on the ballot for next November’s normal general election.
Humason was elected to the Massachusetts Senate by the voters of the Second Hampden and Hampshire District in a special election that took place on November 5. The seat had previously been held by former Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield), who resigned in August to accept a position with Westfield State University. The 46-year-old Humason served as a state representative for the 4th Hampden District, which includes the entire city of Westfield, for 11 years.
Humason said he believes the scheduling by DeLeo is meant to coincide with another special election, that being for Suffolk County’s Thirteenth District seat formerly held by Democrat Marty Walsh, the new Mayor-elect for the City of Boston.
“The Speaker wanted to wait until (Walsh) resigns the seat so it could be scheduled on the same day,” said Humason.
DAN ALLIE
“It isn’t his call – it’s up to the people of Westfield,” he said, when asked if House Minority Leader Bradley Jones Jr. (R-North Reading) might tap a local Republican to run for the seat. “The state party is interested in keeping the seat, but I’m representing 11 cities and towns now, so my focus is on them. I certainly hope it’s a contested seat though, because that would give the people of Westfield a choice.”
City attorney John Velis announced his intention to run for that seat as a Democrat at an event held in October at the Westfield Athenaeum.
Velis, a U. S. Army Reserve captain, recently returned to his hometown law practice after a deployment with the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division where he was tasked to supervise the ‘Rule of Law’ operation in Afghanistan’s southern province of Zabul.
When asked what effect the announcement of a date will have on his campaign, Velis stated that, while it helps in the planning and preparation going forward, his focus remains the same.
“It allows you to have a timeframe, to do certain things by certain dates,” he said. “But we’ve already been campaigning, and people realize I’m committed to this race and this city.”
Though other potential Democrat candidates vying for the seat have yet to emerge, Velis stated that he would look forward to debating any and all challengers.
“With me, it isn’t about who my opponent is, it’s about taking my case to the voters of the 4th Hampden district,” he said.
As to whether Velis tossing his hat in the ring early has given him an advantage, the candidate downplayed any such notion.
“If it gives me an advantage, it’s that my name is out there,” he said. “I’m just very excited. It’s my exclusive interest to inform voters that I’m the best candidate to represent (Westfield). I’m going to knock on every door in this city, make my case to Westfield, and let them decide.”
Newly-elected At-large City Councilor Daniel Allie said that he, too, is “seriously considering” a possible run for the seat.
“I’ve formed a committee and we’re exploring all options,” said Allie, who is also the Chairman of Westfield’s Republican City Comittee.
Set to be sworn in on Monday, Allie said a potential run for the State House will not affect his work as a councilor.
“My first priority is to serve the City Council,” he said, stating that he can still maintain both seats should he be elected as Westfield’s next State Rep.
