JOHN VELIS
WESTFIELD – As State Rep. Donald Humason campaigns for a seat in the state Senate, resident John Velis has his eye on Humason’s current post.
Velis, 33, told The Westfield News exclusively that he is “strongly considering running for state representative.”
Velis said he is talking to family and friends and feeling out support. When papers become available to take out is still in question.
“It depends on the scenario,” he said.
If Humason wins a special election for the senate seat vacated last month by longtime former Sen. Michael Knapik, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo could call for a special election for a representative to replace Humason, or, the seat could remain vacant until the 2014 election.
Either way, Velis said he is considering seeking the seat.
“I believe public service is the highest of callings,” said Velis. “Serving your community in any capacity is something I believe everybody should try to do.”
Velis is a 1998 graduate of Westfield High School. He attended the University of South Florida followed by Suffolk Law School and is a general practitioner. He and his uncle Peter Velis are partners in a law firm located on School Street.
Velis is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan where he spent much time bringing parties together on issues related to the law. He said this experience would serve him well in the House.
“If I can sit with an Afghan elder and the Taliban, I can sit down with anybody,” said Velis.
Politics have always been of interest to Velis, a conservative Democrat, and his family.
“We had a lot of heated discussions around the dinner table growing up,” he said.
His uncle served the city as state representative in the early 1970s but Velis said if elected he would be the first politician in his family in 40 years.
“Politics is just something I love,” he said.
Velis said he used to be a Republican, but he became concerned with the current party and their philosophy and actions and considers himself “a very conservative Democrat.”
Velis said he believes Westfield is moving forward and he wants to continue that positive motion.
“I think (Westfield) is on the right path,” he said. “A lot is happening. I want to help the city on that path.”
Velis said the opening of restaurants, stores and other businesses downtown are proof that revitalization is happening.
Velis enjoys playing basketball and is an avid runner and self-proclaimed political junkie.
