Government is large, and sometimes overreaching, but there are a few arms of it that are actually really useful and can protect the citizenry — if you know where to look. Earlier this month, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law requiring the licensure of home improvement and home-elevation contract...

In light of the pandemic and an increased emphasis on parenting and time spent at home, “ Gentle Parenting” has emerged as an umbrella term for parenting styles focused on understanding and compassion. However, as more adults designate their distant, ineffective parenting styles under this category,...

As the new year begins, the Westfield Green Team looks back at 2023 and what’s been accomplished.We’d like to thank the Town administration and various departments for their ongoing support and all of our partners who work alongside members of the team to make things happen.Our 2023 ImpactFollowing ...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramIt’s Time to Start Being Original AgainCelebrity influence has become too prominent. The idolatry of popular influencers is impacting younger generations as they are willing to blindly follow along with activities demonstrated by these...

Dear Readers, You’ve invited me into your homes for 100 gratitude columns, starting with the onset of the pandemic. You’ve enriched my life immeasurably by giving me this platform on the power of gratitude. I’ve enjoyed being in a dialogue with you and appreciate the guest columnists, many emailed r...

Among the first acts of the newly elected Westfield Council members was an attempt to remove Thomas Jardim as the Town Attorney, claiming that he had provided “bad advice” about whether approval of the One Westfield Place redevelopment project could have legally been the subject of a “non-binding re...

“Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” - Winston Churchill With this pithy statement, Winston Churchill aptly summarized what we have come to learn over the past 250 years in this country: demo...

Scotch Plains Mayor Losardo Outlines Goals for 2024There is something special about this time of the year. The new year is a rebirth, a time to recharge, set goals and focus on what is most important for ourselves, our families and our community.I am proud to be submitting my fourth annual “Mayor’s ...

For some time now I have been thinking about writing a letter to the editor to help address some confusion about how municipal government works.After reading our new Councilman Kiefer’s letter in the Tap, I realized that, as we enter a new legislative year, now would be a good time.I was interested ...

There they go again! Santa Claus apparently paused his round-theworld trip a few weeks ago to hand out plenty of goodies to state and county government officials in the form of outrageous pay raises. Unlike the ugly sweater or the tacky knick-knack, however, we the people who pay those government sa...