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...

Art exhibits. Butterflies. Rainbow crosswalks. Murals. Holiday decor. A large spotlight shines on the way Councilwoman Dawn Mackey engenders town pride amongst our residents and fosters economic development for our local businesses. While these efforts take center stage, it is time to shine a light ...

The Brindle administration’s smart growth plan was full of promises. It promised to “strive to preserve the attributes of our hometown character.” It hasn’t. Westfield was once considered a safe place to live. Now we have to lock our cars or they may be stolen. Most recently, a home break-in turned ...

As a business owner in downtown Westfield, I would like to share my experience as a member of the community and weigh in on the support for re-electing Mayor Brindle. February 25, 2020 is a day I will never forget. Seven years after having opened Akai Lounge on 102 E. Broad Street as an extension of...

Prior to retiring two years ago, I worked as an educator in the New Brunswick School District, and worked with Clarissa Nolde for 10 years as a colleague and also during my tenure as head music teacher in the district. We often collaborated on aspects of the music program, particularly with respect ...

In my opinion, public servants are the sum of their experience and the inherent qualities they possess. With over 25 years working in local, state and county government across New Jersey, there is no doubt that Jeff Jotz has the necessary experience. But for those who don’t know Jeff, I can offer yo...

While I did not vote for Shelley Brindle four years ago, I was willing to give her an opportunity to implement her vision for the town, and was hopeful that maybe a new administration and a fresh approach to the issues facing Westfield would yield tangible results. I wanted her to succeed but sadly ...

We have some big decisions to make in Ward 1. As Election Day nears, we cannot afford to let important information about the candidates get lost – especially regarding Councilwoman Linda Habgood. Recently, I spent a Sunday afternoon walking around the neighborhood with Councilwoman Habgood. We didn’...

Four years ago you would never have read in The Westfield Leader what you read recently. Crime is up! Arrests are down! Shawn Mullen, candidate for council Ward 3 and a former FBI agent, referenced in his letter to the editor the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report. What it says about Westfield is frigh...

I’m writing to endorse the two candidates who will get my independent swing votes this year. Here’s why it’s definitely Linda Habgood and Shelley Brindle. Everyone that stops to read this letter is probably a stakeholder in some way. We care. This is a great town, and we all want it to always be suc...