This year’s municipal election is the most important in the last several years. On the ballot is the direction that Westfield will travel for many years ahead. Will it be a community open, responsive, and at liberty to pursue the course we the residents set for ourselves or one that will be directed by a few to a course that they alone chose to follow.

I, for one, elect not to cede my rights and independence to a group that’s seeking to control my thoughts and actions. I do not appreciate and will not tolerate restrictions on my personal preferences by the adoption of local ordinances that create partisan boards; the declaration of an “area in need of redevelopment” to benefit selected developers who contribute financially to the party in power; the engagement of architects and planners at substantial costs for the purpose of proposing “professional recreational facilities” costing millions of dollars in residential districts; along with the abject failure of local government to even address the downtown parking problem which has existed for more than 40 years.

These are only a few of the short comings and overreach of this Mayor and her Democratic council, and they are the principal reasons why I support, and ask you to consider supporting JoAnn Neylan for mayor and her running mates on the working for Westfield slate for town council.

JoAnn is a person of substance. An attorney by training, a wife, mother and public servant with the continuing desire to serve all the residents of Westfield. She is honest, tough, fair and unflappable, has previously served as a member of the council and asks for your support in her effort to be elected mayor, “NO QUEEN BEE THIS LADY”, but a woman who shares our common interest to make Westfield the best that it can be for all of us, not just the privileged few. JoAnn’s administration will be open and transparent. Developers seeking her support will quickly realize that any support for a project will be based on merit and not political contributions, and she will upon election propose an ordinance prohibiting political contributions by entities doing business with the town. JoAnn will bring a breath of fresh air to local government and her platform and past achievements warrant your serious consideration of her candidacy and your vote.

In order to help JoAnn succeed in her endeavor she will need the help of a responsive council. In this regard I enthusiastically call your attention to the candidate Denise Garrett for Ward 2 councilperson. Denise is a professional by both education and training. She and her husband Bill are the proud working parents of three children all of whom are involved in the Westfield school system and the town’s recreation programs. Denise, a working mother, has decided it is necessary to find time in her busy schedule to run for public office and serve as Ward 2 councilperson in order to meet the unfulfilled need for service to her community and family. Denise shares JoAnn’s demand for an open and transparent government, responsible to the residents of Westfield and not the privileged special interest group presently in control of local government. You can rely on her to make a considered judgment on matters coming before her without regard to political consequences.

These are only a few of the reason I offer the residents of Westfield for the support of JoAnn and Denise. They will reward your confidence and vote. Should you desire to learn more about JoAnn and Denise, I refer you to www.workingforwestfield.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter for support. Please consider a vote for JoAnn and Denise and allow them to begin “Working for Westfield”.