Ward 3 Friends and Neighbors,
In my first term, I have followed through on every pledge which I made to you in 2015. As the elected representative of the citizens of Ward 3, my sole focus is to represent your interests.
Going door to door you made it clear in 2015, and again this year, that my top priority was to stabilize the property tax rate. Secondly, that I should work to get roads fixed. You also noted the lack of communication from officials, and the need to revitalize our downtown. I have made progress on all of these issues.
2017 was the first year in a decade that Westfield residents did not have a property tax increase. This was due to a group of concerned Councilors, including myself, who listened to residents, and advocated on your behalf. We convinced the Mayor to utilize Free Cash to offset a huge budget increase, and resulting tax increase. The same issue is happening again this year with a potential 5.5% Property Tax Hike on the horizon. I will continue to work with other Councilors to hold the line on taxes and spending.
Unless Westfield gets a handle on the out of control spending, and stops kicking the can down the road on our debt obligations, the same thing will continue to happen. I will continue to be a strong voice for fiscal responsibility, and I am working to create efficiencies in city government to save the taxpayers money. I am also working on opportunities for collaboration with surrounding communities to save Westfield money and generate new revenue.
This year, I saved funding for the Western Avenue reconstruction, after it had been threatened to be cut from the budget. Roads are a priority and are critical infrastructure, and this is something taxpayers have a reasonable expectation of being properly funded. Due to your input at one of my many Ward 3 meetings, I came to understand the desire of residents to have a concrete sidewalk, and not a 12-foot asphalt bike lane on Western Avenue. Working with City Hall, we were able to convince the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to change the design to one more in line with the character of the neighborhood.
In Ward 3, Franklin Street was finally paved this year after many long years of disrepair. In the same area of our downtown, there are many sidewalks which are in great need of repair. I have worked with Community Development to put many Ward 3 streets at the top of the list for grant funding for new sidewalks. This will be starting over the next year.
A major issue facing Ward 3, is the City’s desire to create a Hospital Zone. Many people contacted me, when the City attempted to push a very vague zoning regulation through the Council in July. Working with residents, we slowed the process, allowing for real input from those that live in the neighborhoods around Baystate Noble. I will continue working closely with those I represent, to ensure that any new Hospital Zoning regulations are fair and acceptable to Ward 3 residents. I work for you the citizens of Ward 3, not for the city administration, and not for the hospital. Your interests are my first concern.
Bringing life back to our downtown is another priority for Ward 3 residents. We have many great new businesses in Ward 3, from Coffee shops, to Book stores, to Craft beer and wine bars, and I encourage you to visit them all. If we Westfielders do not patronize our local businesses, then they will not be around for long. I am always willing to assist all Ward 3 businesses, and I’m currently working with Skyline Trading Co. to create an innovative new program for outdoor seating with limited space. I am also working with investors interested in re-developing vacant properties in our downtown, and will continue to support policies which encourage small business development.
All of the above issues, which I have successfully worked on, are important to Ward 3 residents. However, the most important role for a Ward Councilor is to be a strong advocate for the people we represent. I noted in 2015, that many people were not being informed about issues going on in the city, or were being outright ignored by their elected officials. Over the past 2 years I have made it my mission to keep in touch with you, and to be available to all of my neighbors and constituents. I am an advocate for transparency and accountability in our local government.
I not only go door to door, but I also host Ward and Neighborhood meetings, and twice monthly Office Hours. It’s very important that I know the issues going on in Ward 3 neighborhoods, so that I can work to address them. If you have an issue or concern that I can help you with, please contact me, and I will do
my best to ensure you receive the assistance you need. It has been my honor to represent you, and to be Your Voice at City Hall.
Even with the accomplishments of the last two years, important issues remain to be addressed. It’s imperative that Westfield is spending money on the right projects at the right times. We must reduce Wasteful Spending, and bring Efficiency to city government. This should be mandatory thinking by all of our elected officials. Westfield faces real challenges, and our government is stuck in a feedback loop of Tax and Spend thinking. The old, tired solutions do not work anymore. We need fresh thinking! I am working to change that, but I cannot do this alone, I need your support!
If you give me the honor of representing you again for the next 2 years, I will continue to be an advocate for you on all issues large and small. If an issue is important to you, I pledge to do my best to help you with it. I am always willing to listen, and will continue working hard to ensure you receive strong representation.
I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 7th, so that I can continue to ensure your priorities come first!
Your Ward 3 City Councilor
Andrew K. Surprise
