Letter to the Editor:
My name is Rudolph Musterait and I’m running for Councilor-At-Large. As many of you know, I started Rudy’s Greenhouse many years ago. I always prided myself on giving excellent products and knowledgeable service to the public. It was the personal side of business; listening to people’s concerns, questions and being able to help them, that gave me the most satisfaction. Helping people in any capacity was and still is my primary concern. I feel that Westfield needs a more transparent dialogue between its city leaders and their constituents. I have found this to be the case, when talking with many people around Westfield. They want city leaders who listen, that are accessible and accountable to them. City government should always work for the people, not the other way around.
Our City enters fiscal year 2016 with problems of how to generate enough money to maintain city services, upgrade our infrastructure, improve our schools, pay our debt, all in a climate of declining or stagnant state aid. We must start to address our fiscal situation seriously by outlining our priorities. Maximizing the benefits to the city at the least possible cost, should be our goal; i.e. getting value for every dollar spent. This is prudent and I believe a good foundation to build on. There has to be good money management and a realistic budget that reflects the times we live in. Bonding should be used sparingly (if at all), as well as any new taxes to the people.
Westfield’s Era into new technology with Solar Energy by businesses and homeowners is right with the times. Sustainable clean energy should always be endorsed to offset increasing electric rates. Our G&E should continue its promotion of this along with electric vehicles, and high speed internet service. I am a big proponent of alternative energy forms as well as recycling. We must save the environment for future generations.
A working Westfield with jobs is essential to the fiscal health of its city. This is basic. And, with this in mind, I will be an advocate for small businesses. I believe Westfield can generate new revenue by engaging small business to start and relocate here. The downtown can benefit greatly. Capital Investment (private) is the key to downtown. Westfield must be advertised, as a Business Friendly Community, pointing out its logistics, having easy access to routes 90 & 91 as well as having an airport at its disposal. Along these lines, I am proposing “Enterprise Zones” where you can live and operate your business together. This would entail a third tax rate higher than residential but lower than commercial. This would entice more small businesses to locate in Westfield. I believe the Rails to Trails project will be a player in the revitalization of downtown Westfield. In this day and age of technology, with internet access, it shouldn’t be hard to promote Westfield to businesses around the country as well as abroad. Other cities across Massachusetts have done this and have reaped the benefits, i.e. lower property taxes.
As a non-political, blue-collar guy, I offer a no non-sense, common sense approach to city government. Don’t spend money you don’t have. Invite businesses to settle here. And, keep property taxes low. I’m for the people that do the actual work for the city; the teachers and custodians, the park & rec. (DPW) , the Police and Firemen who put their lives on the line for the citizens of Westfield. You have a person in your corner. There should always be constructive communication between administrators and the people that do the actual work. Jobs should always be kept (unless retired). Jobs should never be created for the sake of creating them, and using up city money.
Westfield continues to be a Great City for its residents. I’ve enjoyed living here with my family and operating my business here. We have to always keep the affordability of living in Westfield in mind. I believe a diverse, vibrant, thriving community working together can achieve this. Having small businesses, and a local economy which keeps dollars local, gives everyone a vested interest in making the city better. And, I can truly say – this is what everyone wants for the City of Westfield, including myself!
On November 3rd I respectfully ask for your vote.
Sincerely,
Rudolph Musterait
