My name is Amanda Como and I am running to be your next Councilperson.
Many of you may remember that I was on the ballot just 7 months ago in November of 2021. While I came up short in the end, I am not letting that loss deter me.
The Ward 1 seat is available now because of Jim Boyes’ decision to resign over a conflict of interest for both the Prospect and Ferris Sophia project and the Lord & Taylor redevelopment plan.
Now, more than ever, residents need a Councilperson that will listen to their concerns and act accordingly when it comes time to cast their vote. I applaud Jim for giving up his seat when he was no longer able to advocate for his constituents.
As I wrote during my first campaign, I believe the town of Westfield deserves a council of leaders that demonstrate a diversity of thought, ideas, and approach. The town council should be encouraged to speak freely and engage in respectful discourse, healthy debate, and free thinking. When those behaviors are stifled, constituents lose their representation and voices go unheard. That is currently happening.
I’ve been a Westfield resident for 15 years, and for the greater part of that time have served our community as a Welcome Club fundraising chair, class parent, softball and basketball coach, Girl Scout leader, PTO board member and much more. During my time volunteering, I have gotten to know many families, all with varying backgrounds, opinions and approaches. This awareness gives me a better pulse on what residents - especially those with children - want to see in Westfield.
While progress and prosperity are legitimate goals for our future, hasty overdevelopment is not the way to achieve them. I am not willing to stand idly by while our charming colonial town morphs into a city. Encouraging appropriate levels of redevelopment was a major driver for me to run again.
The introduction page of our Master Plan states, “First, the plan seeks to preserve the present quality of life that exists, while accommodating those changes that will improve the community’s character.” We should all be asking ourselves if the decisions being made today align with that sentiment.
As your Ward 1 Councilperson, I am committed to bipartisanship and practicing acceptance and tolerance of those whose beliefs and opinions differ from my own. I believe in PEOPLE over politics at the local level and in serving all residents, regardless of national political affiliation.
We need to focus on the “WE” in Westfield.
I hope to have your support as I embark on another campaign season.
Please follow me on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest!
I look forward to seeing familiar faces over the coming months and
meeting new residents as well!
With gratitude,
Amanda
