My name is Steve Dondley, one of your seven at-large city councilors here in Westfield.
First, I’d like to provide some brief background for those who may not yet know me: I served for six years aboard nuclear submarines in the U.S. Navy. Today, I own a small business that provides computer software services. I’m also a devoted husband to my wife, Lorena, and loving father to my son, Sean, who goes to public schools here in Westfield. My family and I reside in our single-family home on Kane Brothers Circle near the high school. I was elected to office in 2015 and it’s been an incredible honor to serve you over the past two years in my first term as a Westfield city councilor.
As your city councilor, I have done my utmost to stake out reasonable, carefully considered positions. You and your family count on local government to provide Westfield with many vital services. At the same time, you also need to make every tax dollar count. It’s a tricky balance and one I take very seriously.
My record in office and my words back this up. I voted in favor of the mayor’s proposed 0% tax increase last year when I thought we could afford it. I also staunchly opposed harmful cuts to our schools, the rail trail, and other important projects and services that improve our quality of life and will help attract new revenue in order to keep our city moving forward.
I’m very proud of my track record, accomplishments, and current work in progress in my first term on the city council, which include:
-Casting the deciding vote to stop harmful and unnecessary budget cuts to our schools
-Establishment of an economic development advisory committee to the city council to stimulate ideas for what the council can do to help promote the local economy
-Advocating for the expansion of a tax deferment program for seniors to allow them to reduce their tax bills
-Perfect attendance record for city council meetings
-Voting against pay raises for city councilors
-Working toward a COLA increase for retired city workers
-Exploration of a potential lawsuit against opioid drug manufacturers and distributors at no cost to the city to recoup the costs borne by taxpayers to address the opioid crisis
With my first two years under my belt, I am now familiar enough with the job to be a real force for more progress in Westfield. I strive to work very cooperatively with my colleagues and I go out of my way to avoid petty disputes with those I have disagreements with. My belief is that if we are going to get things accomplished on the council, we must all do our best to all get along.
Finally, I pride myself on being one of the most accessible, responsive, and conscientious at-large councilors. I believe in a personal touch to public service to our citizens and I have knocked on thousands of doors over the course of my campaigns so I can get insight into what our residents are thinking and are concerned about. For someone like me that loves people, it’s been a fantastic experience and one I deeply enjoy. My personal cell phone is published publicly on the city’s website: 413-537-4451. I welcome all inquiries and input.
I would greatly appreciate one of your seven votes in the city councilor, at-large race on November 7th so I may continue my service to you.
Thank you!
Steve Dondley
City Councilor, At-Large
