Westfield has come roaring back since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the multitude of new business openings to exciting plans for the smart development of our downtown, we have a great deal to look forward to in the upcoming years. With all of the positive changes expected, we also want to ensure that our town remains the vibrant and family-oriented place that we all love.

I believe that our current Ward 1 Councilwoman, Emily Root, is the best person to help guide Westfield over the next year and for years to come. Emily is perfectly suited for representing the residents of Ward 1 (of which I was one for 13 years before relocating to a different home in town). She is smart, quick on her feet, and always willing to listen while being respectful. She also always has a smile on her face, making conversations with her very pleasant. Equally as important, she is not afraid to be independent-minded and to make decisions that she believes are in the best interests of the residents of Westfield, regardless of party.

For instance, Councilwoman Root could have easily voted in lockstep for consideration of the Sophia development project. However, she listened to the comments of residents of the Ward 1 regarding the planned apartment building on the corner of Ferris Place and Prospect Street. After careful consideration, Councilwoman Root was not afraid to express to the Council her opposition, stating: “I have no doubt that a project of this size and scale would be smart for a corner in downtown Westfield, but just not this corner.”

The extreme partisanship of national politics should not be a factor in municipal governance. I firmly believe that Councilwoman Root understands that above all else, her duty and responsibility as councilperson is to the residents of Ward 1 and to Westfield as a whole. Westfield needs Councilwoman Root and I whole-heartedly support her for election to council. She has already been, and will continue to be, a strong independent voice for Westfield.

Ross Katz
Westfield, NJ