While it may be cold outside, some great things have happened around Westfield that keep me looking forward to spring.
Mayor Brian Sullivan
Silver Medal for Clerk’s Office
The Office of the City Clerk was recently recognized by the MA Election Modernization Coalition for their efforts in implementing early voting in Westfield. City Clerk Karen Fanion and her staff – Donna Roy, Kaitlyn Bruce, Marisa Colon and a dedicated team of election workers were able to implement a successful first run at early voting. The Clerk’s Office exceeded the standards set by the Board for a silver medal award. By the numbers, there were:
- 12 days of early voting
- 4,667 voted
- 18%of Westfield’s registered voters voted early
- 93 hours available for early voting
While the average total of voter turnout remained on par for Westfield (75% for a Presidential election), the benefits of having early voting was clear at the polls on Election Day. There were no long lines at the regular polling places. The longest wait reported was 10-15 minutes at peak times. This is compared to the 30-45 minute wait in past years. The early voting option seemed to help out everywhere. Congratulations to Karen and her staff, and a special thank you to Senator Don Humason for delivering this message personally.
A New Look at This Year
We have begun working on the budget for fiscal year 2018. There are many things we want to address.I have instructed my department heads to prepare level-funded budgets to my office by mid-February. While we wait for indications from the state relative to local aid, I’ve again asked city departments to take a fresh look at their staff and expenses to recommend additional efficiencies.
We have begun work with our community partners to prepare for the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt in April. Stay tuned.
The repair project for the balustrades at the North side park is out for bid. It is anticipated that updating and safety concerns will be addressed and repaired by the end of spring, 2017. My hope is that we will once again be able to attend events there this summer.
Events I am looking forward to this month include Westfield Night at the Springfield Thunderbirds game on Friday, January 27. Also, the Penguin Plunge benefiting Amelia Park Children’s Museum will take place at Hampton Ponds State Park on Saturday, January 28 from 11:30 – 3:00. Volunteers from all over the city will be taking part by pushing or plunging their way to helping the museum raise some funds. It is their 13th Annual event, and their largest fundraiser of the year. Hope to see you there.
