Westfield 2013 Election Guide

In the upcoming Westfield elections on Nov. 5, voters will choose a councilman for each ward, as well as the mayor.

Mayor Andy Skibitsky is running for another mayoral term, against current councilman, Dave Haas.

The candidates for council include (click on the blue hyperlink for a candidate profile):
Ward 1: Sam Della Fera (R) (no contest)
Ward 2: Vicki Kimmins (R) (no contest)
Ward 3: Matthew Sontz(D) and David Oliveria (R)
Ward 4: John Walsh (D) and Keith Loughlin (R)

The mayoral candidates addressed issues such as property taxes, property reassessments and the mobile command center during the candidate forum. The two only seemed to agree on never introducing red light cameras to town and happily conducting same-sex marriages.

Haas outlines many of his platforms and goals for Westfield in his Patch blog. Some of those include, keeping Westfield green, a one-seat ride to NYC, fire department staffing and additional issues.

Read where the candidates for third ward council stood on some of Westfield’s biggest issues in our debate coverage. Also, how the fourth ward candidates felt about Westfield’s financial situation, public safety and more can be found, here.

Board of Education

On the ballot for the Board of Education, current members, Ginny Leiz, Mitch Slater and Brendan Galligan are running uncontested for their seats. Challenger, Jonathan Blitt, withdrew his candidacy earlier this year, stating, " I will commit to run for a position on the board as soon as I can give it the time and dedication that it requires." To read more about candidate Mitch Slater, click here.
Also, there is a bond referendum for residents to receive a $2.7 million reduction in tax dollars for the school district roof projects. It will be Public Question #3 on the ballot.

The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.

The polling locations in Westfield are as follows:

First Ward, Districts 1-3, 5 & 7 - Roosevelt Intermediate School Gym

First Ward, District 4 & 6– Westfield Memorial Library Program Room

Second Ward, District 1 – County of Union Admin Building, 300 North Ave.

Second Ward, Districts 2-6 – Washington Elementary School Auditorium

Third Ward, District 1- Westfield Rescue Squad, 335 Watterson Street

Third Ward, Districts 2-4 – Edison Intermediate School Gym

Third Ward, 5-7 – Westfield High School

Fourth Ward, Districts 1-2 – Edison Intermediate School Gym

Fourth Ward, Districts 3-4 – Westfield high School

Not sure of your district? Enter your address, here.

For more election coverage, visit Patch’s election section.