Friends know I’m always last to leave the party. Why? Because I genuinely enjoy people, conversations, and connection. I stay to help clean up and listen to just one more story. It’s who I am.

I’m Vik Venkataraman, and I’m running for Town Council in Ward 2 because I believe that local government should be about people—not politics.

My wife, Palak, and I moved to Westfield in 2020 with our two kids and my parents. It didn’t take long for this town to feel like home. Through coaching youth sports, producing the Washington School Show, and other local volunteer opportunities, I’ve found something special here: a sense of belonging, rooted in mutual respect. The value of that work is in the relationships it creates—neighbors who’ve become friends, families who count on one another. I intend to expand that family in this process.

Living in a multigenerational household has given me a deeper appreciation of the needs of families at every stage of life – from students to empty nesters. I show up, listen, and care. I know how much we rely on each other to make life work.

Over the past two decades, I’ve built a career in leading and building teams, cultivating valuable partnerships, and helping businesses grow and thrive. I’ve led initiatives inside large financial institutions and solved complex problems across stakeholders. I’ve been an entrepreneur, a leader, and a connector— and I’ve seen firsthand how trust, transparency, and listening are what drives real results.

I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Consumer Bankers Association’s Small Business Subcommittee, which works directly with policymakers in Washington, D.C. to shape how financial systems serve real people on Main Street. I’ve been involved in over a billion dollars of business financing— work that demands collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to weigh competing needs and get to “yes.” I’ve been a passionate supporter of small businesses for over 20 years— not just professionally, but personally. Local businesses are the heartbeat of towns like ours, and I’ll always be their advocate.

These are the skills I’ll bring to Town Council. I’m not interested in sound bites. I believe in thoughtful progress – decisions grounded in facts, shaped by listening, and guided by what’s best for our community. That also means transparency around trade-offs, acknowledging unintended consequences, and keeping the greater good front and center. That starts by making sure every voice is heard.

I’m running because I love this community and want to help it thrive. I’d be honored to earn your support—and even more honored to serve. Please support my campaign at vikforcouncil.com and follow me at FB.com/vikforcouncil

Vik Venkataraman

Candidate – Ward 2

Westfield