STATE SEN. JOHN C. VELIS
Name: John C Velis
Address: 83 Lindbergh Blvd. Westfield MA
Occupation: State Senator of the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District
What experience will you bring to the Senate seat?
I am an attorney by trade, a veteran that served two tours in Afghanistan, a Major in the US Army Reserves, and an experienced lawmaker and legislator in both houses of the State Legislature. I have a wide variety of experience that provide a unique and powerful voice on Beacon Hill; a voice that I have used to cultivate relationships with leadership on both sides of the aisle. From my 6 years serving Westfield as a State Representative, and the past 6 months serving the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district as State Senator, I have proven myself to be a public servant, not a party servant by having the most bipartisan voting record during my time spent in both the House and the Senate. Due to COVID-19 and the scarcity of resources, it is virtually impossible to overstate the importance of experience during these challenging and unprecedented times. Every State lawmaker will need to do more with less. The urgency of this moment requires someone who can truly do the job from day one, which I have done. It is with all of this experience, as well as listening to the input and needs of the district, that makes me an effective State Senator.
What are the top priorities you have heard from constituents in Westfield and Southwick during your campaign and how will you address them?
A top priority that I hear from constituents is their need for effective representation not hindered by partisan politics and bickering. People are exhausted of the usual democrat vs republican, liberal vs conservative arguments; they want someone who will listen to their needs, work in their interests, and be able to deliver the results they need. My record of bipartisanship speaks for itself. I firmly believe that both a democrat and republican are capable of a good idea. I put party philosophy in the backseat and do what is best for my constituents, which is necessary with the current state of things. In the wake of COVID-19, I have talked to many constituents in Westfield, Southwick, and the Hilltowns. They are concerned about their living conditions in their community, both by means of the economy and physical infrastructure. COVID-19 greatly impacted small businesses, and my office has worked tirelessly alongside business owners and employees to ensure that everyone is getting the relief that they need. After being elected State Senator in May, I immediately began advocating for my constituents, and was able secure funding in the Transportation Bond Bill, which includes $4,130,000 for roadway infrastructure improvement projects in Westfield, Southwick, and the Hilltowns. In addition, the algae blooms problem at Congamond Lake, as well as the impact of the limited summer lake activities are both issues of concern for constituents in Southwick, and I have met with town officials to help form solutions to these problems. As for Westfield, the PFAS contamination in the water concerns myself as well as many constituents, and just last month I was happy to announce a $200,000 grant for Westfield PWS that will help them continue to work towards removing the PFAS contamination from water systems completely without unfairly burdening taxpayers. I have also been working to expand broadband access in the Hilltowns, and in my first month in office, met with local and state officials in Tolland as they work to establish their broadband network.
Why should you be the next state senator representing the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District?
As your State Senator, I have delivered for the District by bringing back resources. I am committed to hearing all sides on any issue and using this input to vote for what’s best for the people of this senatorial district. In my unique approach to politics, I have proven myself to be a leader in bipartisanship, and believe that compromises and commonsense are the only way to get our country back on track. I have been, without a doubt, the most accessible and hardworking State Senator this district has ever seen. I believe that I have made the right start and I am humbly asking the people of Westfield, Southwick, and the entire 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District to let me to continue to serve them as their State Senator.
