In recent weeks I’ve tried to focus on my life’s priorities, but this disturbing realization kept nagging me: There’s a red-baiter in our midst. I drew that conclusion from The HAWK’s March 20 article “Resident Criticizes Williams For Not Participating In The Pledge.” It reported that Garwood reside...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

Union County government drops the ball on occasion. I just read in the latest edition of The HAWK newspaper page 12 that the selected chair of our “Union County 250th Anniversary Committee” of our Nation is Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams. It is great that the county is getting momentum g...

I like trees and tree-lined streets. Trees offer a wide range of benefits that make suburban communities healthier, more attractive, and more livable. Environmentally, they help clean the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, while also cooling neighborhoods by providing shade on hot sum...

We deserve a representative that stands up for our District, not Donald Trump.Unfortunately, Representative Tom Kean, Jr.’s recent actions confirm that Kean cares more about placating the President than doing what’s best for New Jersey.In his most recent newsletter, Rep. Kean touted his vote for the...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramOn March 24, Katie Koestner, an activist for awareness against date rape and sexual assault, came to WHS to present to the Junior and Senior classes. Ms. Koestner shared her story as a survivor of date rape as an 18year-old college fre...

When I head to the gym these days, it is often during the bustle of early morning rush in Scotch Plains before the public schools open. At 7:30 a.m., I will often see working mothers bringing their young children to early education programs. The women are fully dressed for a day of work; their child...

Three years ago, I ran for School Board because our District had become comfortable living off its reputation – not up to it. I spent my term turning items talked about into action. As President, I partnered with District leadership to revamp our strategic planning and budgeting processes, creating ...

The essence of my candidacy for Ward 2 Town Council is rooted in a deep love for our home, our neighborhood, and the town of Westfield. I believe now is the right time to give back to a community my family and I plan to be part of for many years to come.A long-term perspective runs through many of t...

My name is Violetta Watson, and I am running for the Westfield Board of Education to make a difference in our community. I am a public school parent, a leader in the Westfield special education community, and a technology attorney at Google, with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). If elected...