CARL VINCENT
WESTFIELD – Carl Vincent is no stranger to residents of Ward 2.
The South Maple Street resident can often be found walking around his neighborhood, walking to the Westfield Athenaeum, walking to the grocery store, and just enjoying the city on foot.
It was Vincent’s walks that ultimately sparked his interest in becoming involved in government and seeking the Ward 2 seat in the upcoming election.
Vincent started out attending planning board and city council meetings to advocate for a crosswalk on South Maple Street. While at those meetings, Vincent became more and more interested in the inner workings of city government and began attending other meetings.
“I am a lifelong learner,” said Vincent, 59.
Encouraged by his neighbors, Vincent took out papers April 10 and has already returned them and had them certified.
At the heart of his campaign is what he believes is the heart and “fiber” of the city – its neighborhoods and people.
Vincent said the city is growing, especially since the revival of downtown, and he is excited to see it unfold and wants to be a part of it moving forward.
“For future growth, our neighborhoods come first,” Vincent said
Vincent, who retired from the Westfield Fire Department several years ago after 25 years of service, spoke about the importance of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and expansion of its services in Westfield. He also said the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is integral to the city.
Vincent was part of the group that revived the Friends of the Columbia Greenway a few years ago. The trail now runs from Southwick into Westfield and will go right through Ward 2.
“We need to take ownership of our community,” he said, adding he would work with the Business Improvement District and Chamber of Commerce on continued downtown improvements.
Vincent also stressed the importance of supporting the ward and even had his campaign business cards produced by Appalachian Press, a Ward 2 business.
Vincent said if elected he planned to host regular ward meetings so residents could get to know their neighbors and discuss any concerns with him and each other.
“We all have to work together,” he said. “We are all in this community together.”
Vincent has already begun knocking on doors across the ward and said meeting people has been “priceless.”
The Springfield native moved to Westfield after serving in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. He enjoyed his years at the fire department and has an adult son. He said when he began visiting Westfield regularly – where his girlfriend at the time lived – he really enjoyed the city and made it his home.
“Although Westfield is a large city land-wise, it has that small, hometown feeling,” said Vincent.
