When I think of Emily Root, I think of service. When I heard Emily was appointed to be councilwoman in my ward, Ward 1, I was thrilled!

I have been volunteering for a wonderful non-profit organization, Furniture Assist for over a dozen years. This all-volunteer organization furnishes between 15 and 20 apartments weekly to the neediest in our community.

A few years back, Emily and her friend, Amy Flax, were donating to Furniture Assist and asked me what they can do to help the organization. I shared with them that our biggest need was bedding, sheets and towels. Emily and Amy responded by organizing the largest linen drive Furniture Assist has ever done. They gathered so many donations that we gave them a key to the facility. That key was a symbol of the great trust and appreciation our organization had for them. Emily was not only inspiring and trustworthy but was organized, efficient and eager to help — and made a huge impact.

Over the next few years, Emily continued to organize massive linen drives for our organization ensuring that our families in need had enough sheets, blankets and towels. This effort by Emily only ceased when Furniture Assist closed temporarily because of Covid.

When I think of Emily Root as councilwoman, I think about how lucky we are to have such a hardworking, smart and dedicated person representing Ward 1 in Westfield. Emily is the true definition of public servant. I will be enthusiastically voting for Councilwoman Emily Root in the special election this November.