logo
Google Play App Store
Log In subscribe and/or renew Eeditions
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
Paid Political
SEAN KEVILLE - WESTFIELD on
June 8, 2022
Baffled By Council Candidate’s Letter

I was baffled after reading Amanda Como’s letter to the editor in which she announced her candidacy for Westfield Town Council.

Ms Como wrote that, “Now more than ever, we residents need a councilperson that will listen to their concerns and act accordingly when it comes time to cast their vote.” She goes on to say that, “Westfield deserves a council of leaders that demonstrate a diversity of thought, ideas and approach. The town council should be encouraged to speak freely and engage in respectful discourse, healthy debate and free thinking. When those behaviors are stifled, constituents lose their representation and voices go unheard. That is currently what’s happening.”

As someone who opposed the proposed development on Ferris Place and Prospect Avenue in its current scale, I watched with interest at the town council meeting on Tuesday, May 24, when a resolution concerning the project came up for a vote. I know Ms. Como was present, though she did not speak during the public portion of the meeting.

From what I saw and anyone else can see by watching the meeting online, there was plenty of debate about the Prospect Avenue/Ferris Place development. I heard newly appointed Ward 1 Councilwoman Emily Root say that she listened to voters’ concerns about the project. “An important part of my job and my priority is to listen to your concerns,” Councilwoman Root said.

Councilwoman Root then said she could not support the project in its current form. “I want to see even more compromise given this property’s location in what I view as a transitional area – between downtown and the residential neighborhood on the westerly side of Prospect Street,” she said. “I believe this project should be scaled down so it would be a welcome addition to this neighborhood.

Ward 1 Councilwoman Linda Habgood also voted against the project because “I know so many of you still have concerns, and I want you to know that I am listening to you.”

Sounds to me like these leaders are expressing a “diversity of thought, ideas and approach” and that they are speaking freely and engaging in “respectful discourse, healthy debate and free thinking.”

From what I saw, all the members of the council put a great deal of time and thought into this important vote. While I don’t agree with the outcome, I don’t at all feel that our voices were unheard. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
When Mayor Andy Skibitsky and his council were in charge, I don’t ever recall council members speaking out against a proposal championed by the mayor. That was truly an administration that stifled debate and discouraged public input.

This mayor and council have sought public input at every opportunity, including the reexamination of the master plan that serves as the blueprint for much of the upcoming development on the former Lord & Taylor property and train station parking lots.

With so many major decisions facing the town council, now more then ever we need experienced leaders who have a demonstrated record of listening to constituents, considering what is in the best interests of the town and casting their votes accordingly.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Most Read
Appellate Court Upholds Dismissal of Aziz Complaint
Main, News
Appellate Court Upholds Dismissal of Aziz Complaint
By FRED T. ROSSI 
Thursday, July 10, 2025
WESTFIELD — An Appellate Court this week upheld the dismissal of a complaint filed against former Westfield Board of Education member and vice-preside...
this is a test
Manager’s Office Is a Collection Of His Passions and Interests
Main, News
Manager’s Office Is a Collection Of His Passions and Interests
By FRED T. ROSSI 
Thursday, July 10, 2025
SCOTCH PLAINS — Amidst the endless memorabilia, pictures, trinkets and mementos in Township Manager Al Mirabella’s town hall office is a three-foot-hi...
this is a test
Five Face Firearms Charges After Motor Vehicle Stop
News
Five Face Firearms Charges After Motor Vehicle Stop
Thursday, July 10, 2025
CRANFORD — Four Essex County adults and one Camden County juvenile were found to be in possession of loaded firearms during a motor vehicle stop inves...
this is a test
Community
Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation Awards Grants
Thursday, July 10, 2025
PARSIPPANY -- Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation, Blue Foundry Bancorp’s foundation for supporting philanthropic efforts in New Jersey, continues to d...
this is a test
Main, News
Clark Resident, Councilman Upset Over Fate of King Mansion
By DEVON GOHDE 
Thursday, July 10, 2025
CLARK — On Monday night, the Clark Township Council held a special meeting and workshop meeting. During the public-comment portion of the special meet...
this is a test
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader