Authenticity is an important part of local politics – we hope that the person who’s elected from our neighborhood, our ward – is someone who can relate to the issues we might be having and can empathize with, assess and articulate those concerns in a local government forum.

In Westfield’s case, this would likely include countervailing the homogeneity of thought (and voting) that exists with the current town council. Decisions made for a community, or in any situation, aren’t necessarily the best possible decisions when there’s almost perpetual unanimity. Questioning begets discussion and discussion leads to idea exchange and during idea exchange, modulations and calibrations of thought can occur, resulting in more balanced and informed outcomes.

This is where authenticity matters. I believe Amanda Como is the candidate to help facilitate these optimal outcomes. I know her to be approachable, straightforward and insightful, and she evaluates issues with an impartial purposefulness. Local decisions that impact so much and so many should not be made in an echo chamber. Amanda will contribute an objective, judicious voice when there’s a need to present disparate points of view.

Please fill out your mail in ballot if you received one, participate in early voted if needed, or get to the polls on November 8 and join me in voting for Amanda Como to be our next Ward 1 councilwoman!