Government works best when diverse ideas and opinions are raised and discussed by those elected to serve. Like in business, monopolies in government are bad. For the past four years, I have ensured that Westfield residents are not governed by a one-party monopoly on the Town Council, as they are in Union County. I have tried to be the voice of those with views different from those espoused by Mayor Brindle and her allies. Westfield will continue to need that voice, and preferably more than one, after I leave the Town Council at the end of my term in December.

I encourage you to vote on or before November 7 for candidates that will be a voice for the many Westfield residents whose ideas and opinions have not been heard by Town officials in recent years. Specifically, I ask you to vote for the Republican Town Council candidate running in your Ward. These candidates represent the best qualities and competencies of Westfield, and I enthusiastically endorse them.

In Ward 1, Todd Saunders grew up in Westfield and recently welcomed the next generation of residents with the arrival of his baby daughter. He has built a successful national business and will bring needed energy and vitality to help Westfield meet its challenges in the coming years.

In Ward 2, Dr. Michael Armento, a father of two, will serve residents with the same expert care and compassion that he brings to his position as a pediatric physiatrist for young patients in need at the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.

In Ward 3, Mike Domogala will bring the expertise that comes with his many years of work in the financial industry, and the practical knowledge that comes with helping to raise three young and active children with his wife Jen. He shares my strong sense of commitment and service to residents and will be an excellent successor to me on Town Council.

Finally, in Ward 4, David Kiefer, a former Cub Scout leader and coach, maintains a successful legal career while raising his two sons and two stepdaughters. He is enthusiastic about ensuring that local leaders engage in critical thinking and follow fair processes in making major decisions for our Town.

These candidates will be a strong voice for you and not for an international commercial conglomerate. They will support public safety, neighborhood athletic fields, and will fight against overdevelopment and the traffic that will come with it. On November 7, please vote for balanced government and diverse perspectives. No matter who you voted for in the past, vote for a better future for Westfield. Vote for Saunders, Armento, Domogala and Kiefer. You will not regret it as they are highly intelligent outstanding candidates.

Councilman Mark LoGrippo Westfield

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