I am running for Mayor to preserve what makes our town special, not to change it into something unrecognizable.I want to be clear about my position on overdevelopment: any development in Westfield must always be managed carefully, because our smalltown character, history, and quality of life are on ...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramThe lyric “I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? ‘Cause she’s dead!” has been stuck in my head ever since Taylor Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl.” The truth is, I’m disappointed. And by disappointed, ...

In Union County, we have seen firsthand how every single vote truly matters. Close elections aren’t just stories in the news—they happen right here at home. In some cases, a handful of votes can decide who represents your neighborhood, how your tax dollars are spent, and what services are prioritize...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramIt has been hard to miss the recent deaths of young teenagers on e-bikes that have been covered incessantly on social media, by news outlets and in conversations amongst friends. However, as horrific and devastating as these accidents ...

As mayor, my top priority is to ensure that every resident feels safe and secure in their home, on our streets, and in our shared public spaces.Safety Starts with Supporting Our First Responders.The backbone of safety in our community are the WPD, WFD, and Rescue Squad.Westfield continually ranks as...

I’ve served as Councilwoman in Garwood for the past three years, and this year I’ve had the honor of serving as Council President. I would like to share some of my reflections on the past three years and why I am running for re-election. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of helping sha...

Strong school boards aren’t just about budgets and policy—they’re about collaboration. And collaboration, when done right, depends on six essential skills: communication, curiosity, empathy, feedback, flexibility, and positivity.These aren’t just buzzwords— they’re the foundation of how I work.Commu...

The Westfield Town Council has repeatedly highlighted to residents its maintenance success in having Town streets repaved but it has been notably silent on its glaring omission of maintenance of the Town sidewalks. Anyone walking with a stroller knows that many sidewalks are virtually impossible to ...

My name is Drew Pecker, and I’m running for Town Council in Ward 4 as a Democrat. Since launching my campaign, I’ve dedicated my evenings to meeting neighbors, listening to concerns, and sharing ideas. I’ve made sure that listening to constituents is my first priority. I grew up in Westfield near Ta...

Last week’s tragic loss of a middle schooler in Scotch Plains is every parent’s nightmare and just weeks after another youth on an e-bike was hospitalized after a collision. These incidents highlight the danger many of us already see on our own streets right here in Westfield. E-bikes and escooters ...