State Rep. John Velis is seeking the seat of state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr. who will resign before being sworn-in as Westfield’s mayor. (File photo)
WESTFIELD – In the week since state Rep. John C. Velis officially announced his run for the senate seat of Mayor-elect Donald F. Humason Jr., he has continued to do what he thinks is best for residents.
This is how Velis, a Westfield Democrat, conducts the business of the House and how he said he will continue to represent constituents of elected the senator for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District; doing what is best for residents no matter which party he votes with or against.
“I’ve been out for the better part of the last eight months talking to people,” Velis said, “and what they say is they’re so sick of politics as usual.”
Constituents across the district want someone who can work with others, despite political party affiliations.
“They are looking for someone who is about collaborating,” said Velis. “The number one thing I hear is party politics and he polarization not just on a national level, but at the state and local levels. And I’m all about that – that’s how I’ve governed for the last five years.”
Velis often votes across party lines based on what he believes residents want, not what his party wants.
“I vote based on what is important and good for residents, not what the party wants,” he said.
The second thing Velis hears from constituents is that they want someone representing them who has a seat at the table.
“In my time in the House I’ve quickly moved up the ranks and I do have a seat at the table,” he said. “In western Massachusetts we don’t have the luxury of letting politics get in the way of getting things done.”
So far, Velis is the only candidate for the seat, which Humason will resign before he is sworn-in as Westfield’s mayor in January. Velis said he welcomes a challenger, but if anyone steps up, he or she should know he will work hard to earn the seat.
“I consider myself what we call in the Army a ground-pounder,” Velis said. “No one will out-work me on this campaign.”
