Westfield's Skibitsky to Seek Third Term as Mayor

On Wednesday, Westfield Mayor Andrew Skibitsky announced he will seek re-election this November.

A Republican, Skibitsky was appointed mayor in June 2005 following the resignation of former mayor Greg McDermott. He had been serving as a Third Ward Councilman prior to the appointment.

He was elected to a full term in 2005, defeating former mayor Tom Jardim, the only Democrat in the last century to serve as mayor of Westfield. Skibitsky was re-elected in 2009, defeating former judge Bill Brennan. 

A long-standing but unwritten tradition, most Westfield mayors have not sought a third term. In recent history, Jardim ran for a third term but it was not immediately following the two terms he served in 1996 and 1998. He sought re-election in 2005 but lost to Skibitsky. In June, Skibitsky will become the longest-serving mayor in Westfield history.

Skibitsky issued the following statement Wednesday, Feb. 6: 

This November, I will be asking the residents of Westfield to allow me the privilege of serving as their Mayor for another term.  Serving as your Mayor has been a truly rewarding and humbling experience.

When asked why I enjoy being the Mayor, my answer has always been that it is the opportunity to meet so many of this town’s talented and compassionate residents that makes my job so rewarding. Westfield residents are proud of this community, and are committed to keeping it one of the greatest places to live and raise a family. Speaking with residents on a daily basis and listening to their concerns and ideas has instilled in me the greatest appreciation for the town of Westfield and all that it has to offer. Debbie and I could never have imagined a better place to raise our family or a better school district to put our children through. When friends visit from out of town I am excited to show them all the restaurants and shops that downtown has to offer.

I truly believe that it is this pride in and appreciation for Westfield, shared by its residents and myself alike, that has carried this town through one of the worst financial crisis and natural disasters the State has faced.  Although there is no doubt that Westfield residents have faced great adversity during these troubling times, this community has pulled together like few others. Not only has this town overcome great obstacles, but it has come out stronger and smarter. I am running for re-election because I want to make sure Westfield remains resilient in the face of challenging times and continues to be the community that we take such pride in.

Thank you for putting your trust in my leadership.  I ask for your support so that I may continue to work with the town’s residents to make Westfield an even greater place to call home.

Please stop by Bagel Chateau Saturday, February 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to sign my petition for election.