WESTFIELD — Two candidates – Michal Domogala (a Republican currently serving as one of the two Ward 3 representatives on the Town Council) and Democratic challenger Jeremy Berman (a small business owner and local youth sports coach) – are vying to succeed Shelley Brindle as the Mayor of Westfield this November.
Mr. Domogala, who was first elected to the council as part of a GOP slate in 2023, is a finance professional who has campaigned on a platform of governmental transparency, cooperative bipartisanship and responsible development.
“My priorities focus on expanding partnerships for parks and recreation, supporting local businesses, strengthening public safety, and honoring our veterans and community traditions,” Mr. Domogala said via his campaign website, “Above all, I will champion fairness, accountability, and resident-first decision making so Westfield thrives for generations to come.”
Mr. Berman, meanwhile, says he would bring “firsthand experience dealing with local government, zoning, workforce management, and economic development” to the table if elected by the voters next week.
His campaign website indicates that he plans to focus his attentions on communication, parks and recreation, enhancing the vibrancy of Westfield’s downtown, public safety and security.
Both candidates have expressed an interest in developing new opportunities for recreation, passing stricter regulations for e-bikes and scooters and limiting development to projects that benefit the community as a whole.
Despite a congenial performance at a live forum hosted by The Leader last month, however, the two candidates have traded numerous barbs throughout the course of this year’s election season via campaign advertisements, published letters and various social media platforms.
Eight other candidates – Democrats Reshma Adwar, Vikram Venkataraman, Jennifer Gilman and Drew S. Pecker and Republicans Elizabeth Rampolla, Jason Micewicz, Danny Lallis and Keith Boran – are vying to fill vacant seats in Wards 1-4 respectively.
Democrats currently hold a 5-4 majority on the Town Council. None of the sitting Democratic Council members chose to seek reelection.
