Firefighter Staffing, Revenue Options Discussed Among 3rd Ward Candidates

Candidates for the 3rd Ward Council seat, Matthew Sontz (D) and David Oliveira (R), spoke their opinions on issues ranging from firefighter staffing to additional revenue options during Thursday’s forum.

When asked if the town was understaffed for firefighters, Oliveria replied that the town meets the requirements of the state and would reach out to members of the department for further input of what was needed. He added that Westfield is one of the only departments in the county that is paid.

However, Sontz said there is not doubt that Westfield needs more firefighters.

Ideally, he said, it would be great to fill those spots with more volunteers, but he doesn’t know if Westfield has the infrastructure in place for that.

“If we’re going to have a paid fire department, then we have to have a fully staffed, properly staffed fire department,” he said. “It’s sad that during a fire that firefighters arrive at a fire and have to wait outside for men to show up… and houses burn down because firefighters are standing outside because they don’t have the men they need.”

He said in order to fund additional firefighters, the town should be finding efficiencies anywhere they can, whether that’s safer grants or not buying equipment for other departments that may not need it, all options should be on the table.

Moderator, Lauren Barr, of The Westfield Leader asked both men if they believe the Central Avenue Crosswalk and HAWK light should be moved.

Oliveira said that many meetings and studies went into the placement of the crosswalk and he would listen to further feedback on the issue to see if it would a necessary move.

Sontz, a resident of Central Avenue, explained that drivers who travel on the road are not all from Westfield and they don’t all care about the kids crossing the street. He added that they frequently hit the gas, then the break, then the gas again, due to confusion.

“I would move the light to the intersection of Central and Clover because it’s safer,” he said. “It’s dangerous where it is and it needs to be moved.”

Both Oliveira and Sontz believed shared services are definitely a way which Westfield can save money and with the 2 percent cap mandated by the state, it is almost a necessity.

Sontz pointed out that the town should join other towns in the county to merge some of the courts together. He suggested that within Union County their should be five municipal courts or so, instead of 20.

Oliveira provided his experience as a member of the Westfield Regional Board of Health, which serves seven municipalities. He said his experience with the board and his background in finance will assist him in creating cost saving option for taxpayers through ventures of shared services.

When addressed if the purchase of a ladder truck and the mobile command center for the town were necessary, Sontz said yes and no.

He explained that the ladder truck was a needed purchase for the fire department, especially after damage from Sandy, but the mobile command center was not a necessity.  Sontz said there should have been more public outreach and explanation about how the command center can benefit the town and if he were elected he would hold more increase the public’s knowledge of what the town council is deciding.

Oliveira did not directly answer if he believed they were justified purchases, but he explained in the future his experience as a CPA and Business Administrator can serve him on the finance committee when making future decisions such as those.

Additionally, the candidates were asked how Westfield could increase its revenue.

Oliveira referenced share services and grants, while citing his financial background to explore every opportunity possible. He added that he would explore ways to get something in return from the county since a majority of taxes go towards the county.

Sontz also echoed that shared services is a huge way Westfield can gain revenue and cut costs, but he also suggested ideas such as having organizations sponsor Westfield events, selling advertising space and what services the county can provide.

During closing statements, Oliveira said his experience as a CPA and Business Administrator will lead the town in making tough decisions during these difficult financial times when they have limited resources.

Sonz said he will make things simple by listening to the concerns of residents and will work hard for them everyday.

View our coverage from the mayoral debate, here. 

Check back for more on what the candidates for the 4th ward had to say.