I first met Emily after the divisive national election in 2016, when she was looking for a partner to help bring the community together and put politics aside.

In the spring of 2017, we ran a linen drive for Furniture Assist Inc., which was one of the most successful linen drives that the Springfield-based nonprofit organization had seen. In the summer of 2017, we started a food drive for the Westfield Food Pantry that was generously supported by both residents and local businesses alike.

We ran both of these drives through the spring of 2020. For both drives, we had businesses across town volunteer as drop-off locations to receive donations. Over time, we received an increase in volunteers who picked up and delivered donations.

With each subsequent drive, more donations and more businesses supported the effort. We brought people together to support our community.

Emily often talks about her desire to give back to the community that strongly supported her when she became a widow at the age of 35 in 2009.

I learned that Emily is on the board of Sochi Dogs, a dog adoption organization, as well as volunteering with others, like herself, who have gone through the grief of losing a spouse at a young age.

Through our partnership, Emily has demonstrated how she brings the community together. Through this journey to make our little corner of the world a slightly better place, I gained a friend.

I ask you to see aside political party and consider the candidate who serves in the best interests of the community. Councilwoman Root is that person to serve Ward 1.