I supported Amanda Como last November (and wrote about it), and I am doing it again this November too because she will be a common sense voice for Westfield.

I’ve voted Democrat for a long time. Many of my life experiences have shaped my political beliefs: working in the inner-city for a number of years, running for my life on 9/11, marrying a veteran who admirably served our country in Iraq, and raising a family in Westfield. I proudly fly the American Flag as a sign of remembrance that what matters most is what unites us and not divides us.

As a leadership skills coach, I often talk with my clients about getting comfortable with the concept of: “I don’t have to make you wrong to make me right.”

I gave a lot of thought to this mindset last election, and I feel the same way this time around as well.

I am voting for whom I believe is best for our community. Voting the Democrat party line will not do that this year. Instead, I am voting for Amanda Como (Ward 1). I know she will speak up and stand up for her constituents, making our voices heard.

The Westfield of today is not the Westfield I once knew. Innovative and thoughtful sports field plans have been ignored after years of work and community input, forcing our home team to play home games in neighboring towns. We now offer tax abatements to developers, as these buildings continue to destroy the charm of our small town. And, most recently, and quite sadly, there is endless victim-shaming when a crime is committed against our neighbors. I am disappointed and frustrated.

Do I think anyone has a perfect plan to solve our town’s problems? No.

Do I think we need to embrace change for the possibility of making things better for Westfield? Yes, absolutely.

We need a town council made up of independent thinkers who are not influenced to vote on town issues in a way that is aligned solely with their national political party. This practice has become the norm rather than the exception over the last few years.

Let’s be balanced, inclusive, and consider alternative points of view from people who see the world from a different lens. There is validity in approaching our major town issues from more than one angle.

Regardless of what side of politics you fall on, we all live in the same town and want Westfield to thrive. Before you return those mail in ballots or cast your vote in person, I encourage you to vote with your heart — and while that may not align with your political party, you are not wrong. It is not about voting Republican or voting Democrat. It is about making the right choice for you, your family, and the town we love. And come November 8th, my right choice is to vote Amanda Como for Ward 1 Town Council.