My husband Keith and I were very deliberate in choosing Westfield to settle and raise our family. We came here for the excellent public schools, vibrant downtown, tree-lined streets, easy access to NYC, and beautiful homes. I love the sense of community in Westfield and I’m grateful to be part of it. My love for our town inspired me to run for Ward 3 Town Council.

As a Westfield resident for the past eight years, I’ve had the opportunity to actively participate in our community. I’ve served as PTO President at both Jefferson and Edison, Girl Scout Troop leader and cookie booth coordinator, Board member at Temple Emanu-El, and Chairwoman of the Westfield Recreation Commission. Each one of these roles taught me much about the traditions and operation of many different areas of our town. More importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to listen and learn from residents who have taught me so much.

I will continue to listen to the concerns and visions our residents have for Westfield. My goal is to prioritize the continuation of the services and amenities residents are accustomed to. Over the past eight years, we have been fortunate to enjoy expanded road paving throughout town, our comprehensive conservation center, and a wide-range of programming options for all residents through our recreation department. Additionally, we have seen our outstanding police and fire departments be fully supported which has enabled them to apply the newest technologies to keep residents safer.

Ward 3 residents have already expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety, traffic, and needed improvements to our parks. It will be important to carry these concerns, as well as resident-suggested solutions, to our professional experts such as our police chief and traffic consultants. I have ideas for a pedestrian and traffic safety campaign so that all users can share the roads and walkways safely. I eagerly await the results of the Tamaques Usage and Visioning Survey to see how residents feel we can best enhance one of our town treasures and provide improved recreational space.

I love that many of my friends who grew up in Westfield chose to return to raise their own families here. I want Westfield to be a place where my children, and yours, can envision returning to to settle down; a place where adults, children, and seniors can all thrive. I’m confident that I am able to provide the leadership necessary to navigate our great town forward.

Jennifer Gilman

Candidate – Ward 3 Westfield