Hi everyone! My name is Amanda Como and I am running for Town Council in Westfield’s Ward 1.
I am Jersey born and raised; after living up and down the East Coast; my husband Brad and I established roots here in December 2007.
Like you, we fell in love with Westfield’s great school district and charming downtown.
Fourteen years, two children and a dog later, a lot has changed!
Recently, a toxic divide has trickled down from the national political scene into our town. It’s apparent on our social media and from conversations with friends and neighbors that our community is fractured. I am a helper by nature and feel a civic responsibility to set the tone as a leader and help heal that divide. As councilwoman, I am committed to bipartisanship, acceptance and tolerance of those whose beliefs and opinions differ from my own. I will focus on the ways Westfield residents are alike rather than different. This is the impetus for me to run for council.
A lifelong learner, I will use the skills I’ve honed as a student of personal growth/development and psychology to collaborate with my fellow council members. I am an active listener with strong communication and interpersonal skills – ideal traits for someone with a seat at the table. I remain level-headed and objective during challenging discourse, which will be an asset as we work toward a better Westfield. I am committed to leaving ego and emotion out of decision making while seeking compromise and win-win outcomes moving Westfield forward together.
I have volunteered my time extensively throughout my years in Westfield. I’ve been a member of the Westfield Welcome Club serving as their Fundraising Chairperson. I have coached Girls’ Basketball since 2015 and volunteered as a softball coach and a Girl Scout leader, coordinating the troop Variety Show from 2015-2020. While my children were students at Franklin School, I was a class parent multiple times.
During my time volunteering, I have gotten to know many families, all with varying backgrounds, opinions and approaches. Having this awareness gives me a better pulse on what residents – especially those with children – want to see in Westfield.
Prior to becoming a Mom, I led customer service and sales teams at Williams Sonoma Inc. for the Pottery Barn and West Elm brands. I have years of experience managing and working with people. I am now an entrepreneur and a small business owner: the proprietress of Amanda Bradford Home LLC, a decorating service in Westfield, since 2011.
In addition to being a health and fitness enthusiast, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, our Miniature Schnauzer Winston, being outdoors, sporting events and traveling.
Now that I am officially on the ballot, I’m excited to get out and about connecting with my Ward 1 neighbors. I want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how I can help create a better community for all of us. Westfield deserves a more balanced, bipartisan Town Council.
I look forward to meeting you!
