WESTFIELD — In the at large City Council race, 11 candidates are running for seven seats, including all seven incumbents and four challengers.
Running again are incumbents James Adams, Dan Allie, Brent Bean II, Cindy Harris, Kristen Mello, Nicholas Morganelli, Jr. and Richard Sullivan, Jr. Challengers are John Bowen, Daniel Knapik, Christopher McCrary and Robert Parent.
Recently, the candidates responded to questions asked by Reminder Publishing, the first of which, asking them to introduce themselves to our readership, was published in the previous issue of The Pennysaver.
In this issue, the at-large incumbents were asked what they think are the most pressing issues facing the city of Westfield, what are the city’s greatest strengths, and what they will bring to the City Council to address and enhance them.
Adams
On challenges: Our growth has been slower growth in recent years. Sustainable growth means attracting new businesses and housing options without sacrificing our community character. I believe we can stimulate safe growth by putting the right employees in certain positions that believe in our city. We need to keep improving infrastructure, and ensuring that zoning policies balance innovation with neighborhood stability.
Budget cuts directly affect our children and our future. We must protect core educational programs, support our teachers, and find creative ways to stretch every dollar — through partnerships, grants, and state funding. Every child deserves a quality education. Buildings are important but teachers are the core to our children’s education. They deserve fair pay. Mental health needs for our children should also be right on top our priority list.
The most pressing issues we face are, affordable housing, and maintaining high-quality public services, police, fire and teachers despite budget pressures. We need to strengthen all of our city departments to all be on the same page. We can all work together and use everyone’s strengths to move forward.
On strengths: We live in a great community, we are very large in land mass that offer everything from city living to country landscapes and farmland that has been protected. We have local businesses that employ our people. Westfield is the only place I have ever lived and will continue to live in. We have many talented and kind people here that care. We have the foundation to be a great and affordable city. I will continue to make that happen for the next two years.
Allie
On challenges: This year Westfield faced serious challenges, many caused by our own government. Massachusetts imposes unfunded mandates and does not provide adequate funding to cities for roads, while restricting local authority by imposing requirements to obtain funding and implementing water bans. The Governor’s Clean Energy Act prohibited local ordinances from restricting the siting of lithium battery storage facilities, even over municipal water supplies. The potential of a fire threatened the entire Pioneer Valley and brought together residents and local officials from surrounding towns to support Westfield in opposing the proposal. In April, Jupiter Power withdrew its application.
On strengths: Westfield is truly a gem of a city and a great place to live, work and play. My family has been involved in and support community events and organizations, from sports, community theater, Stanley Park, support for our veterans and the soup kitchen.
Our greatest strength is the people and small businesses that call Westfield home.
Government at every level is out of control and grown too big, complicated and expensive. Rising costs, taxes, the lack of growth and inflation caused by a devalued currency and printing trillions of dollars to pay for government spending threaten our economy, prosperity and children’s future
Bean II
On challenges: The city must enhance its economic development and revitalize downtown by fostering collaboration between community policing, the Department of Public Works and effective ordinances. Community policing can improve safety and build trust, encouraging more visitors and businesses to the area. The DPW plays a vital role in maintaining clean, attractive streetscapes that invite foot traffic and investment. Additionally, enforcing ordinances that hold business owners and residents accountable for property upkeep ensures a well-maintained environment. Together, these efforts will create a vibrant, welcoming downtown that supports local businesses and strengthens the community’s economic future.
On strengths: The city has several key strengths that set it apart. Its unique combination of locally owned utilities—including gas, electricity, fiber, water, sewer, and trash pickup—provides the city with greater control over essential services. Additionally, Westfield’s assets such as a hospital, university, airport, open space, and commercial-zoned properties create a strong foundation for economic growth and community well-being.
I would focus on leveraging the city’s utilities to attract new businesses by promoting reliable infrastructure. Strengthening partnerships with the university and hospital can foster innovation and workforce development. Investing in the airport and open spaces can boost tourism and quality of life. Finally, supporting downtown revitalization through coordinated efforts involving community policing, public works, and updated ordinances will create a vibrant environment that encourages both business growth and resident engagement.
Bowen
On challenges: I think the biggest issue in the city is the economy. The economy touches taxes, growth, and school budgets. The city needs a certain amount of money to operate and to provide services. If nothing changes in the budget and we have inflation, that will require cuts or increased taxes, or both. I am pro-business, and I plan to work with Community Development to help attract new businesses and raise our tax base. My experience on the Planning Board has given me experience in long term planning projects.
On strengths: It’s very clear to me that Westfield’s greatest strength is our citizens. There are so many people here that love the city and work hard to make it a better place to live. With other assets like a university, an airport, and our location with easy access to the Mass Turnpike and Route 91, we should be very desirable to businesses. All of this benefits Westfield but more people need to know about them. As a city councilor, I plan to communicate activities in the city and highlight our assets through newsletters or social media.
Harris
On challenges: Support continued water resources production. We need to reexamine taxes/fees structure to lower them. Need more housing, work with state and private investors. Additional entrance/exit ramps for Mass Pike to end huge traffic backup. State dictates what schools must provide and our citizens must pay for it, support changes to this situation. Promote our great business environment and support current businesses that are necessary to lower our taxes and provide citizens with employment, activities and housing. Continue fixing roads and sidewalks. Add big trash pickup day and leaf pickup day back for citizens.
On strengths: Our wonderful citizens. Our brave Police and Fire departments who keep our city safe. Arts, sports, university, caring schools for our children with library, YMCA, BG Club, hospital. Good city employees who help our great citizens with services. City’s great location providing MassPike, rail, airports, good workforce, low crime. Keep promoting small and big businesses that help our citizens with specialty and everyday needs. Support providing a great quality of life in Westfield for all.
Knapik
On challenges: The affordability issue is of significant importance to me as it should be to everyone. As of May 2025, the city had approximately $30 million saved in various accounts. That’s over 3x the amount we typically had on hand when I was in city government from 2002-2016. That’s the taxpayer’s money first and foremost and every decision that is made for present day spending should factor in the amount that has been accumulated in reserve from the taxpayers in prior year budgets. In a six-month time period, we had significant increases in the water rates, solid waste fee and property tax. It appears that the preferred method of balancing the budget was to raise fees and taxes while a record amount of cash sits in city reserve accounts. I don’t agree with that.
On strengths: Westfield’s greatest strength is its long history of entrepreneurial citizens. We are very fortunate that we are still home to a number of multi-generation family businesses. One of the most significant impacts of the merger and acquisition period in manufacturing has been the erosion of local ownership and good paying jobs. We all could name a number of locations in Westfield where locally owned manufacturing businesses eventually sold out and with the sale the jobs either left immediately or slowly eroded away. We need to make sure the city remains competitive so that these types of businesses can continue on for many more generations. Elected officials and appointed government staff need to maintain the lines of communication with our businesses and citizens and be proactive in addressing the challenges facing them.
McCrary
On challenges: I believe Westfield’s top challenge is rising costs and stagnant growth, driving a 6.5% fiscal year 2026 tax hike to close a $4 million shortfall. Residents face inflation and soaring fees, like the trash fee jumping from $85 to $260 and water rates rising 20–40%. My emergency management expertise uniquely qualifies me to assist in tackling these challenges through preparedness analysis to pinpoint cost drivers, rapid response plans to stabilize finances, and mitigation strategies to prevent future shortfalls, building Westfield’s financial resilience for families, workers, and retirees, ensuring a stable, robust community.
On strengths: Among Westfield’s greatest strengths are: (1) Westfield Technical Academy’s career-focused education, (2) Its strong sense of community, (3) Vibrant events like Westfield on Weekends Pumpkinfest and concerts on the green, (4) Our strategic location near major highways and Barnes airport, and (5) Barnes Air National Guard Base’s economic and cultural legacy. To enhance these, I’ll advocate for a new state-of-the-art technical high school, ensuring our graduates excel in high-demand fields. I’ll promote events to boost community spirit and tourism. I’ll champion innovative, business-friendly policies, such as targeted tax breaks for small businesses, to leverage our strategic location and attract jobs. I’ll also support Barnes’ infrastructure upgrades for the F35. I believe that together we can ensure a prosperous Westfield.
Mello
On challenges: Westfield faces serious environmental and financial concerns, and intense political pressure to take on more risk. Westfield needs development that doesn’t burden our residents, businesses, and taxpayers with flood or air/soil/ water contamination. We need to find ways to turn environmental education, protection, and restoration into economic drivers for our community. I do the homework, alert people to upcoming issues, and speak up when things aren’t right. Reelected, I will continue to push for a different kind of economic development. I will continue asking questions and working to turn our challenges into opportunities for education, restoration, and growth.
Strengths: Westfield’s greatest strengths are its people and natural resources. I will continue to treat both with respect and appreciation, because they have been mistreated and taken for granted for too long. All too often residents’ concerns are dismissed, ignored or ridiculed. They deserve access, accurate information, and transparency from their government, and a little compassion wouldn’t hurt either. Our natural resources need us to stop polluting them for convenience and profit. I will continue to push back against the belief that the city can do whatever it wants, because all of us end up paying dearly for it later.
Morganelli Jr.
On challenges: Environmental concerns, rising taxes, slow growth, and school budget cuts continue to impact Westfield. As a City Councilor, I meet monthly with the mayor to discuss the budget and offer cost-saving and revenue-generating ideas. I support hiring a full-time grant writer and attracting non-trucking businesses to boost growth. Creative revenue options—like creating a higher permit fee for out-of-town transfer station users is one. I’ve acted on environmental issues, including legislation to regulate lithium-based Battery Energy Storage Systems. While it didn’t pass, it started an important conversation. I’ll keep fighting for local control over state mandates and work with our legislators to make sure Westfield’s priorities come first.
On strengths: Westfield’s greatest strength is its engaged, community-minded citizens, including those active in nearly two dozen local churches that offer spiritual support and vital outreach. We must also address the need for affordable housing, especially for young families—a challenge across New England. I would back a well-planned housing complex in Westfield. Our city’s location, with access to the turnpike, airport, and rail, makes it ideal for business growth. I support promoting these assets through targeted budget initiatives. Our high schools are valuable but need upgrades; I would support improvements if fiscally responsible. Lastly, our natural and recreational spaces — like Stanley Park, Columbia Greenway, and Amelia Park — are essential to our identity and deserve continued protection and investment.
Parent
On challenges: Westfield’s rising taxes, school budget cuts and environmental conflicts all point to the same root issue: we must grow smarter. A stronger business climate attracts employers, expands our tax base, and funds quality schools, all while preserving the healthy spaces we cherish. With excellent electric rates and service, Westfield is already a great place to build and invest. Let’s streamline processes, encourage responsible growth, and use smart environmental safeguards to protect our community. Growth and stewardship aren’t opposites, they’re partners. Together, we can create a future with great schools, thriving businesses, and a safe, sustainable Westfield.
On strengths: Westfield is a place built on grit, ingenuity, and neighborly spirit. We have so much to be proud of, but we also face real challenges: aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, and the need for more opportunities for our families and businesses. I’m running to tackle those head-on. I present the City with an opportunity for a fresh set of eyes and a different approach. My years in construction and project management, my degree and education, and all my years of playing and coaching sports have equipped me with the tools needed to work collaboratively to accomplish the task at hand.
Sullivan Jr.
On challenges: I believe the most important investment a community can make is in public education. We need to invest in our facilities, but most importantly we need to invest in our teachers, technology and other in-classroom supports. In order to make the investment in the next generation we need a strong and growing general fund and a strong tax base. Our ability to make the necessary investments is tied directly to growth. I am concerned about the rising costs of living in Westfield. We need to be more aggressive in our growth strategy. I will never vote to cut a school budget, and although as a city councilor I can not add directly to a proposed budget, I will support growth initiatives that will increase the general fund balance and provide the resources needed to grow the school budget.
On strengths: I believe Westfield is a welcoming community and a great place to live and raise a family. Westfield has a quality school system, plenty of open space and recreational opportunities. We have built the unique Columbia Greenway Bike Path and are fortunate that we have a committed group of volunteers that maintain the facility and have an attractive, walkable downtown. We have a state of the art municipal airport which not only proudly hosts the 104th but provides significant tax revenues/jobs from the private companies at the airport. We are fortunate to have a municipally owned Gas & Electric (Whip City Fiber) Department which provides reliable and cheaper services then found in neighboring communities. I believe Westfield is a great community and that our best days are ahead. We need to be strong and committed stewards but our future is bright. I respectfully ask for your vote in November.
