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 from Reminder Publishing, the first of which asked them to introduce themselves to our readership, and to explain why they are running, or running again, for a two-year term on the City Council.
Answers to two other questions on Westfield’s greatest challenges and strengths will be published in the next issue of The Pennysaver. Each question will also appear in The Westfield News during the week before the election.
Incumbents
Adams: I’m James R Adams, a lifelong resident of Westfield with a deep commitment to our community’s future. My background as president of Firtion-Adams Funeral Service a local business in Westfield for the past 94 years. I try to put people first and I understand not everyone has the same concerns. I’m running for City Council at-large because I believe in practical, community-driven solutions that make our city affordable and safe for the next generation. Environmental sustainability isn’t just about the future — it’s about how we live today. Our community must protect our local natural resources especially our water supply. We have to keep in mind new growth is important to keep our taxes at a minimum. However we need to keep in mind the quality of life is more important to the people who choose to live here.
Allie: My wife Theresa and I chose Westfield to raise our family because of the schools. I met wonderful people while working in Holyoke on Steve Pierce’s campaign for governor, and helping Mike Knapik become state senator. In 2013, the council refused to fill a vacancy leaving Ward 2 without a councilor. Some politicians were rushing to build the Cross Street school on federally protected land. Government should be “by the consent of the governed”. So I ran. That July, our state legislature passed an Automatic Gas Tax. I led local efforts to repeal it, saving drivers over two billion dollars.”
Bean: Twenty-four years ago, I pledged to make city government more accessible—a commitment that remains my guiding principle as a City Councilor. With a background as a Business Development Officer at Westfield Bank and a Master’s in Public Administration, I bring valuable financial expertise to the council. This experience supports effective budget management, financial oversight, and revenue generation. Westfield is a unique community with its own utilities, hospital, university, airport, open spaces, and commercial zones. I am dedicated to leveraging these assets to create a vibrant community and ensure a prosperous future for our city.
Harris: I respect all citizens and thank the thousands who voted for me over the years and new supporters. I’ll always represent you, not missing a council meeting in 12 years. As a Human Resource Consultant, I understand people and their needs. As a former Assistant Assessor, I understand taxes, budgets. Lower taxes while providing services to you is always my goal, proposing this to Council every year. As a Gold Star Daughter — father died in service when I was a child — have no personal/political agenda — only to help our citizens and city.”
Mello: Hello. I am Kristen Mello, an incumbent candidate for Westfield City Council At-Large, and I ask for your vote on Nov. 4. Westfield voters first elected me in 2019, largely in response to how the City was handling the PFAS contamination of our drinking water and my work on that issue with WRAFT. Since then, I have been your eyes, ears, and voice on the Council. I ask all your questions, find the answers even when they may not be popular, and fight back against rising taxes and the constant push to pollute our resources for other people’s profit.
Morganelli Jr.: I am a man of faith in God, strong character, and integrity. I am humbled that people have asked me to run for re-election. I have a track record as a dedicated public servant, consistently acting as a champion for the right of every citizen to be heard and have their needs addressed. With a fiscally responsible approach, I’ll continue to focus on solutions that matter most to Westfield taxpayers and their families. “I am not a politician, but a public servant” is what I often say — reflecting on the deep respect for the trust placed in me by the people I represent. I have served as a key advocate on major community issues, including the contaminated aquifer, the proposed bike trail through Ward 1, neighborhoods, and increased truck traffic. I’ll continue to stand up for small businesses, residential property rights, the preservation of natural resources, quality of life, and lower taxes. As a husband of 27 years and father of four, I will continue to bring a deep sense of commitment and perspective to the families of Westfield.
Sullivan Jr.: My name is Richard K Sullivan Jr and I have been a Westfield resident for the past 62 years. I was elected to the first elected Westfield Gas and Electric Commission (two years), two terms on the City Council (1990-1993), Mayor of Westfield (1994-June 2007), Appointed Commissioner of the State Department of Conservation and Recreation (2007-2010), Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, part of Governor Deval Patrick’s Cabinet (2011-June 2014), Governor Patrick’s Chief of Staff (2014), hired as President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass(EDC 2015-2025) was elected again to the Westfield City Council (2020-present). I am married to Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, have three children Courtney, Kick, Michael and now nine grandchildren. The community of Westfield has been good to me and my family and have always had a passion for Westfield and the desire to give back to the community. I feel I am an effective and reasonable voice on the Council and would like to continue in public service.
Challengers
Bowen: For over 25 years, I’ve proudly called Westfield home and had the privilege of raising my three children here. Being part of this community has inspired me to stay involved and give back in meaningful ways. From coaching youth soccer and serving on the soccer board, to mentoring new runners through the YMCA’s Couch to 5K program — and later joining the YMCA’s board. For the past eight years, I’ve served on the Westfield Planning Board, where I’ve had the responsibility of voting on many key decisions that shape our city’s future. Each of these roles has deepened my commitment to Westfield and strengthened my understanding of the community’s needs. They’ve also prepared me to take the next step: serving as your City Councilor.
Knapik: My name is Dan Knapik and I am running for City Councilor at large. I am running because I’m concerned about the increasing problem of the affordability of living in the city of Westfield. There are a number of important decisions that will need to be made in the near future and I believe my 20 years of municipal government experience coupled with my many years of management in the private sector, have given me a skillset that can be helpful to providing cost effective solutions to our government.
McCrary: I served 20 years as an Emergency Manager in the US Air Force retiring from Barnes at the rank of SMSgt in 2021, and I have been a full time Emergency Management professional for the last 14 years. I moved to Westfield in 2011 with my wife Shauna and two boys Matthew and Caleb. As a father, veteran, financial coach, and invested resident … I’m running for City Council for the first time to help shape Westfield’s future. I’ll bring steady leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a strong voice for families, students, and businesses to ensure a thriving community. Fueled by community values and long-term vision I’ll work to build a vibrant Westfield where EVERYONE thrives.
Parent: I’m running for City Council because I love this community and want to ensure it thrives for generations to come. As a father of four and husband to an incredible woman, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face. I have had the privilege to be the head football coach at Westfield High School since 2014, and it has taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and investing in our youth. I work here in the city and I understand the importance of economic growth and job opportunities. I’m committed to practical solutions that make Westfield safer, stronger, and more prosperous for all.
