Hello Westfield. First I would like to express my condolences over the loss of two people of late. First is Lynn Boscher, who has worked tirelessly for the greater good of Westfield. None of us will forget seeing Lynn taking photos of downtown events. He generated a permanent archive of these wonderful events and the memories that we have from them. It would be great if someone could gather them, and create a book of them, as they are; in this anniversary year, the start of the next anniversaries that celebrate everyday Westfield.
The other person is one that many of you may not know, Dave Vigneault, former Rep. from Springfield. He too was a man that you saw everywhere working to support people issues. He was a very long time member of the Springfield and State Democratic Committees. It was not his presence that you noticed it was only his absence for he too worked tirelessly for those people issues he championed and supported. They, both will be sorely missed.
On the positive side: I previously mentioned about my fall, etc. A major downer was that I could not keep up with my shoveling my walk. Well, to the rescue: Lt. Eric Hall of the Westfield Community Police; who on his own time, and with his heavy duty snow blower cleared much of the cement snow from my side walk. You want to know why I am so supportive of our police, he is a primary example. Not only do they do a great job in their jobs, but are even greater Human beings. It is why I wave, say hi, whenever I see them. And, if possible, chat. I sent out an e-mail seeking help; if he knew anyone who could help. His response was himself. THANK YOU so very much.
Lastly, I think a lot of us who attend City Council meeting, or watch them on T.V. note that there is often some fancy rhetoric. Even in the Commissions and sub-committees, for those who attend. And, while they do a lot, I do have a problem. This time it is over the opening of the cannabis business. If you watch the news, you see how much local revenue is being generated already. OK, the problem, a lot of the fancy rhetoric is about taxes!!!! But, what are they doing to generate revenue so as to actually lower them or at least keep them from going up? Everyone knows costs/prices do not go down. And, being stagnant or living in the past is not going to cut it.
What I would like to see is: Instead of just say No, or yes…come up with a way to how to do it. Change rules, do something: adapt or go extinct! Not only would this procedure better enable new businesses, as the Cannabis business (before there is so much competition that they saturate the market) but it would motivate more people to become creative about starting a new business knowing the city would help, not hinder. Old adage: last in first out. Loser!!! This business is not going to go away. We are in the start of a wholly new way of doing businesses. We have cyber marketing, on line sales that can enable mini-businesses startups to stay up. Malls and big box era businesses are fading. Diversity will stay if you know what kind. Like gas stations with a coffee shop, or variety store. Deal with our real realities or gone down with our delusions. Your former Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose …[email protected].
