Politics & Government

Mobile Command Center Purchase Sparks Debate

Councilman Dave Haas and Mayor Andy Skibitsky, who are running against each other next month, argue issue at Tuesday meeting.

Councilman Dave Haas and Mayor Andy Skibitsky debated Tuesday night after a resident again questioned the town's purchase of a mobile command center.

Haas, who is attempting to unseat Skibitsky as mayor in next month's election, had initially voted for the purchase of the command center but has since voted against it.

The purchase was again brought up by resident Greg Kasko, who also raised questions at the Sept. 24 meeting. Kasko on Tuesday asked how the vehicle had “Westfield Police” on the side prior to the council's vote for the purchase, according to The Alternative Press.

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He also questioned the trip made by Police Chief Dave Wayman and another officer to Utah to visit the company that made the mobile command center, the article said.

Haas also questioned the trip to Utah, sparking a debate with the mayor.

Councilman Frank Arena reminded the room the election is coming up.

“If by that you mean that I’m saying things that I don’t believe, I take offense to that,” the Alternative Press quoted Haas saying.

Westfield purchased the unit in March. Kasko has also brought up the purchase in previous meetings, including one back in March.


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