I am writing to endorse Vik Venkataraman for Westfield Town Council, Ward 2. I didn’t know Vik until earlier this year when he decided to run for Council, but given how many things we have in common it is not surprising that we have become fast friends. He is a banker, a former financial advisory firm owner, and a stalwart producer and believer in the Washington School Show (WSS), a parent-run production performed for Washington Elementary students. Having been all three of these things, I will say that none is harder than being a Washington School Show producer. It’s all the jobs that no one else wants to do all wrapped up into a 24-month commitment with two sequential school shows. As soon as the last performance wraps up each year, a producer’s work starts all over again to find a script, recruit a cast, a dance corp and a chorus, sell ads and tickets to ensure max profit (typically more than $30K+ each year), set the schedules, enforce the rules, plan the parties, be a cheerleader, be convincing, creative, self-effacing, tireless and emanating of endless positivity about the importance and beauty of a nearly 80 year Westfield tradition. It’s a volunteer job that requires leadership, organization and consensus building. And it is bar-none, the consummate proving ground for a member of Council. Vik has a stellar reputation as a producer, and I know it will carry through to Town Hall.

Even more than his professional resume and his WSS Producer ratings, Vik has thoroughly impressed me with his unyielding passion for community, his dedication to bringing people together, and his selfless approach to serving. He has a powerful balanced package of qualitative and quantitative skills that will make him an outstanding Ward representative.

I’ve been there! That is why I am so confident in Vik’s qualifications for the job. He will take on the challenges—large and small—that the job requires, listen to the concerns of residents and find strong, community-embracing solutions that are budget conscious, creative, and effective.

If you’re still not convinced, email him at vik@vikforcouncil.com, and he will 100 percent contact you— before and after Election Day. Speaking of Election Day, it’s November 4th, and you can vote early in person starting October 25 at Union College or the Westfield Memorial Pool. Vote Vik!

Linda Habgood

Westfield Town Council Ward 1

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