Dear Editor,
My name is William J. Onyski
and I am a candidate for the Ward 6 City Council seat.
My goal as Ward 6 City Councilor is to be a voice for the residents of Ward 6. Hearing what the residents say, and providing feedback is extremely important. Plans are in process to hold regular meetings with the residents of Ward 6. This provides the opportunity to communicate the issues that are important to the people of the ward. My phone, 413-568-7747, is always available as well as my email address, [email protected]. I am committed to answering your emails and calls. If I don’t have an answer to your question, I’ll find the person who has the answer.
For those that I haven’t met, please let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’ve lived in Westfield since 1992 and in Southwick for many years before. I’m married to Gina Masciadrelli Onyski and have three daughters that have been educated through the Westfield School System and are now in college. I have been a volunteer at countless school events and have been a coach for Park and Recreation and Little League Softball. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Westfield Planning Board for thirteen years and am currently the Vice-Chairman. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science from Westfield State College in 1987 and earned a Master of Business Administration from UMASS Isenberg School of Management in 2009. I work at Comark Communications in Southwick, MA as Director of Customer Service and Field Operations.
Going door-to-door during the campaign provided the opportunity to meet many residents and listen to their views and concerns. I personally visited over 1,500 homes and was fortunate to discuss issues with many of you. Ward 6 residents expressed many of the same concerns that I have:
- Taxes and Revenue– the City must operate within its means. Raising taxes is not the answer to solving the issues the City faces. Sustainable changes are required to increase operational efficiencies in the City. We need to use City funds wisely and for the right purposes. Personally, with three daughters in college, I can’t afford to pay more and more in taxes. The same holds true for the seniors in our city who live on Social Security with 2016 benefits remaining flat. Raising taxes negatively affects residents for many different reasons. In my work as Director of Customer Service and Field Operations, I am responsible to generate and manage a multi-million dollar revenue stream. I budget the monies we receive and effectively allocate them. These skills will be brought to City Council.
- Education—the schools have many great teachers, counselors, and principals. As a parent, I have been personally involved with the Westfield schools. As many Ward 6 residents have told me, and I witnessed myself, the schools lack the physical resources needed to continue providing a good education for our students. From Bunsen burners that don’t work to computers that are missing keys, we need to support educators by providing these resources. A good education system draws businesses and residents to a community which increases the tax base. Education is an investment for the future of the students as well as the future of the city. Education must be an important issue for any candidate so please choose who you support wisely.
- Roads—many roads in Westfield are in disrepair. The Hampton Ponds area has roads that require work. Paper Mill Road is a gateway to many neighborhoods in Ward 6 and has been neglected. I will advocate for a formal, prioritized plan for road reconstruction and repair.
Keeping taxes at bay, providing for our educational resources, and road repair are not mutually exclusive. If managed and prioritized correctly, WE can make it happen. Satisfying these goals will require innovative thinking, smart spending, balancing priorities, and cooperation within the City Council and Mayor. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with Ward 6 residents to help set those priorities.
My motto is “An Experienced Candidate Committed to Open Communication and Common Sense Leadership’”. I feel that my understanding of the schools, volunteer work, and thirteen years on the Planning Board provide the experience. My commitment to regular Ward 6 meetings demonstrates Open Communication. Common Sense Leadership is validated through my work as Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board as well as my Customer Service background.
Please allow me the privilege of being YOUR Ward 6 City Councilor. I am committed to the hard work, listening to the residents, and doing my best to help Ward 6 and the City. I would appreciate your support and vote on November 3. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Respectfully,
William J. Onyski
Ward 6 City Council Candidate
37 Hillcrest Circle
413-568-7747
[email protected]
