Meet the winners of the town council race
Councilman James Boyes (Ward One): A 30-year resident of Westfield, James G. Boyes’ work with the Mayor’s Parking Advisory Committee and his experience with the town’s Green Team has given him insight into many changes he would like to see in Westfield. Most prominent on Boyes’ list are issues with the lack of parking and implementing more environmental sustainability initiatives in the
Master Plan, Mayor Shelley Brindle’s strategy for Westfield’s future. His plan to revitalize Westfield looks toward long-term growth and addressing citizens’ concerns with historic preservation and flooding, along with receiving grants offered by The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Councilman Mark Parmelee (Ward Two): A 21-year resident of Westfield, Mark Parmelee has plans to improve Westfield from the inside out. Specifically, he plans to focus on improving safety, transportation and infrastructure. He is a supporter of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, which involves studying all of the recreational facilities in Westfield to evaluate developing new ones. Parmelee is also an advocate for peak one-seat rides, creating a direct train line from Westfield to New York without a transfer in Newark. He also wishes to improve Westfield by obtaining its appropriate portion of grants, such as the ones offered by Union County.
Councilman Mark LoGrippo (Ward Three): A 12-year resident of Westfield, Mark LoGrippo was re-elected to his position as councilman. He has worked with the town to study traffic flow patterns. Specifically, he has addressed bike and pedestrian safety in hopes of ensuring that there are appropriate street lights throughout the town. He promises to continue to support the initiatives to hire more police officers and upgrade equipment for firefighters. In addition, as a member of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, LoGrippo is fighting for peak one-seat rides to improve Westfield commuters’ experience. He also plans to improve transportation and parking options in order for downtown Westfield to flourish.
Councilman Scott Katz (Ward Four): A Westfield resident for over 16 years, Scott Katz is Ward Four’s new councilman. Throughout his first term, Katz has hopes to improve Westfield by bringing his management experience to help revitalize the downtown community. He is currently the leader of a sales team at Harold Levinson Associates targeted at strategy and productivity for small businesses across Northern NJ. He is also an advocate for public safety and particularly advocates for protecting bikers and pedestrians. During the Halloween season, Katz was a key volunteer in Westfield’s AddamsFest downtown.
