I was inspired to run four years ago to be a strong voice for Ward 4, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Councilwoman, and I look forward to continue working on your behalf.

During my first campaign I heard a consistent concern about the condition of our roads. My research indicated that Westfield did not have a process to properly assess road conditions or a plan for efficient repaving. I delivered on my promise to prioritize our paving.

Learning that we had no safeguards in place to protect a newly paved road from utility or contractor work, as chairwoman of the Town Property and Code Review Committee, I introduced and passed a protective road ordinance mandating a full proper repaving of any moratorium road disrupted within 7 years. This resulted in a partnership with utilities whereby they now strategically plan their maintenance and absorb repavings costs. These initiatives will have yielded 47 miles of roads repaved by the end of this year compared to about 16 miles in the prior 4 years.

As the liaison to the Downtown Westfield Corporation I spent my first term interacting with business owners and residents community building, creating and developing an environment that is welcoming and engaging for young families as well as established residents featuring activities such as Yoga on Quimby, Dog Days of Summer, Holidays in July and most recently the SeeSaws.

When Mayor Brindle proposed celebrating local icon Charles Addams, I spearheaded a plan that turned into what we now know as AddamsFest. Cultivating the relationship to achieve permission from the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, the festival comprises more than 20 annual events over several weeks. Engaging more than 300 talented and passionate volunteers, students and local artists, Addamsfest has attracted visitors from more than 80 towns and benefits the local economy.

As the liaison to the newly formed Westfield Public Arts Commission, I have led the efforts that brought Art Takes Flight Butterfly sculptures, the murals in the underpass and a new outdoor photography exhibit. These are some of the exciting works executed and paid for by the WPAC to elevate the arts as a core value of the town, bringing joy and visitors to our downtown district.

I will continue to proactively initiate ordinance changes that allow our business district to be more competitive and easier to navigate as I have with the craft brewery, rooftop dining, doggie daycare and maker space ordinances. In my experience it is critical to anticipate trends and advocate for changes to help attract new sustainable businesses.

I look forward to earning your vote on November 2 so I can continue to be your voice, to advocate for the needs of our community and to work to bring tangible improvements to Westfield.

Dawn Mackey
Ward 4 Councilwoman