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...

In just two weeks the voters of Westfield will have the opportunity to finally usher our school system into this millennium. On April 15, we get the chance to vote on a bond referendum that can finally update our schools from the aging relics they are into modernized institutions that reflect the hi...

Last year, Walking Garwood started as a simple idea: go door to door, meet residents face to face, and listen. What happened was far more powerful than I imagined. I had conversations on porches, sidewalks, and driveways—conversations that couldn’t be captured in a tweet or a soundbite.It reminded m...

If you pay any attention to the news, you’re aware that Republicans in Congress whoholdin-persontownhallmeetings have been met by constituents angry abouttheactionsofPresidentTrump and Elon Musk. Our 7th District Congressman, Tom Kean Jr., apparently bowing to pressure to hold some kind of town hall...