Exactly forty-three years ago, writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin wrote an essay on his vote for the 1980 presidential election. He began, “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing t...

I’m writing this note to ask Westfield residents for to vote “yes” for the Edison fields project this November 7, and here is my humble opinion as to why.Why Edison? Location. Simply look up Westfield on your cell phone maps app and gage the size of Edison vs. other existing field locations. Your ey...

Many residents in Westfield like to label themselves as environmentalists. They belong to “Friends of the Parks”, put up signs saying: “Save the Bees”, plant flowers to attract pollinators, and belongtothe“GreenTeamMovement”. I question their true identity as environmentalists when they back a decis...

After living behind Edison Field for 45 years, here are some down-to earth comments on recent proposals. The field is principally a resource for Edison school. Mid-day use is for lunch and general recreation. Students throw around balls and Frisbees and play ad-hoc games, running in random direction...

I suggest that this is an important issue to consider for the upcoming November 7 election.Years ago, Westfield did a town wide (Brandstetter Carroll) survey showing only 19 percent of the town’s residents ranked artificial turf fields as a priority. A massive turf field complex is proposed for a re...

My name is Chloe Martin, and I am a sophomore at Westfield High School. I have been an advocate for the turf fields for a long time and the vote is coming up. The residents of Westfield should understand how much the athletes suffer from only having one turf field to use. I hope I am able to change ...

Edison Project is Not for the Kids The Edison Field Project is not for the kids. If it was for the kids, we would not replace natural grass with PFAS laden fields. If it was for the kids, we would not put down six acres of plastic that absorbs heat and literally burns their feet. If it was for the k...

Although I live in Fanwood I’ve followed the controversies over the artificial turf (AT) issue with interest.One thought occurs to me: Since the primary reason supporters ofAT seems to be that grass-covered athletic fields are unplayable after a rain, couldn’t that problem be solved by simply raisin...

Artificial turf will lead to contamination of soil and water, exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals, more injuries, more scrapes, burns and abrasions, and emissions of toxic gases. Students and other users of the field should not have to deal with these safety and health concerns. Th...

What would Thomas Edison think of the sports fields project hatched by Councilman and Chair of the Public Works Committee Scott Katz, along with the town’s recreation department, in consultation with the town’s private sports clubs, and supported and approved by our Mayor and Town Council?Mr. Edison...