Councilman David Haas to Run for Mayor of Westfield

Third Ward Councilman David Haas has announced he will challenge Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitksy for his seat this November.

First elected in 2005 and reelected in 2009, Haas is the council's lone Democrat and a former member of both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board. 

According to The Westfield Leader, Haas stated: "I am running to help make Westfield an even better place to live than it is. We are all proud that Westfield has excellent schools, a vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and caring, intelligent and skilled neighbors. But like other very successful communities, Westfield needs a town government dedicated to promoting openness, transparency and the active involvement of every member of our community, regardless of political party or affiliation, in meeting the new and sometimes unexpected challenges we will face in the years ahead."

In recent months, Haas, a father of two, has urged Skibitsky to join Mayors Against Illegal Guns. 

In February, Skibitsky announced he will buck tradition and seek a third term.

The Town Council will meet next at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at the Municipal Building.