Hi Ward 3 and all of Westfield; First, congrats to Franklin Ave Elementary on your recognition by the State Senate for the upgrades in testing and skills of your students by your awesome teachers and staff. Working with our Ward 3 schools when I was your Councilor was always a pleasure. Especially, having been a substitute teacher for some 13 years going to a number of schools, I got to know a good school the moment I went in and met the people who work there, and you are them.
Next, Ward 3, especially on Arnold St. I brought up two issues recently, one: Arnold St. becoming a one way, and when the telephone poles went down so too the No Parking signs. I have surveyed the businesses and residents and found many, if not most, do not like the idea. I checked City Hall, and was told nothing is happening on that, though it has been floated several times over the years. Then, I discovered, through a very good source, that the reason for not replacing the No Parking signs is in anticipation of becoming a one way street. OK, I love politics…. Lastly, there was some mention of combing voting for Ward 3 A&B at the Tech. Academy, by taking it out of Franklin Ave. School. But, in checking on this, few knew about it, including Superintendent Czaporowski, who said it would be good for regular elections, with plenty of room, as the school is closed on Election Day, but, special elections would be difficult as they are open. And, Whip City Fiber should be coming to the Gas Light District in the Fall, I would highly recommend your considering it, and checking into it at the Westfield G&E Office.
I attended the meeting at HCC regarding the issues concerning business in the area, and in general. Many good points were raised, and the Secretary was pleased with the findings. My points were the need for adult re-training as the market is changing so fast a good job today is gone tomorrow. But, adults access retraining have different needs, duration for the training, the times of classes, and how they learn. We lauded the vocational training that is happening, as there are plenty of jobs, but few skilled to work them.
Further the need to replace what was lost from the past. Then, one’s home was the site of one’s business thus fewer if any private sector taxes as: no separate mortgage or loans, no extra insurance, no extra utilities, and labor was the family. The latter, also gave their children a chance to learn how a business works, custom/people relations, the value of reputation, financial management, etc. Now even with the most avid pro-business people there is a resounding to NO businesses in my neighborhood. My suggestion was to look into what exists in Franklin Co., where an older building is used as a coop to produce goods, that they then can sell, thus sharing the costs, or by grant reduce all the other expenses that are a deterrents to new start-ups, and part-time business ventures. As well, with urban areas in need of businesses, the use of a public owned site, or again, through grants the use of a building to have a market place of kiosks where people can sell their goods. Whereas small and part time startups can often lead to bigger things. I think too much is aimed at those able, but not willing to take the risks. Your thoughts…send me your E address, and I will get back to you. Your former Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose. [email protected]
